Public Library Service for the Kainai Nation Robin Hepher Chinook Arch Regional Library System Kainai Nation

 Also known as Káínawa (“people of many chiefs”), or “Blood Tribe”  Member of the Blackfoot Confederacy  Member of Treaty 7  Largest reserve in Canada (1,414 km2)  Registered population 11,791 (2013)  On-reserve population 7,726 (2010)

Library Services to First Nations

 In Alberta, library services primarily a municipal responsibility  Provincial grants contingent on municipal contribution  No obvious funding mechanism for First Nations libraries  Within the Chinook Arch Region, policy allowed neighbouring libraries to offer full services to reserve residents How It Started

 Kainai Board of Education Literacy Committee ◦ Linda Weasel Head ◦ Hali Heavy Shield ◦ Mary Weasel Fat ◦ Kathy Goodstriker ◦ Arlene Ward  Literacy Initiatives: ◦ Literacy Powwows ◦ Books as prizes at community events

Project Taking Shape

 Meetings at Chinook Arch HQ and at KBE facilities or RCCC  Obstacles: ◦ Funding ◦ Legislation ◦ Getting buy-in from leaders: Chief and Council and Kainai Board of Education Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent

How We Sold the Project

 “Turn key” library: immediate access to shared collections (900,000 items)  Immediate access to digital resources for community members  Block collections  Summer Reading Program, RISE  Access to donated holdings of Bellevue Library

Developing a Model

 Kainai Public Library operates as an outlet of Chinook Arch  Requires membership in Chinook Arch  Requires local committee to operate library  Development of a new membership category (Chinook Arch board policy) Plan of Action

 Obtain Letter of Intent from KBE  Obtain a Band Council Resolution indicating support for the library  Apply to PLSB for funding for establishment of the library  Formalize local society to operate library  Develop an operating budget  Develop plan of service Roles/Responsibilities of Library Operating Committee

 Develop operating policies  Develop/monitor budget  Hire a library manager  Establish service levels/hours  Initiate programming  Ensure Library Manager attends training and meetings Roles/Responsibilities of System

 Provide $2.00 per capita book allotment  Provide Help Desk and IT support  Provide training for library staff  Establish delivery services  Provide public internet access (Supernet!)  Serve as Board of Record for the library  Annual report for PLSB  All other System services What We Achieved

 Band Council Resolution indicating support for the public library  Kainai Board of Education letter of support  Agreement of Minister of Municipal Affairs and PLSB to fund services to Kainai through Chinook Arch  Signature of KBE on contract agreement with Chinook Arch Moving Ahead

 Developing a Plan of Service  Community Planning Meeting ◦ Access to computers and internet ◦ Promoting cultural heritage ◦ Safe, welcoming place ◦ Positive recreational opportunities for youth ◦ Literacy programming for all ages ◦ Community hub

Plan of Service Goals  Blood Tribe youth will have programs and services that promote appreciation and understanding of their Blackfoot heritage  Blood Tribe members will have high-speed access to the internet, and training on computer literacy, digital resources and services  Members will have the support and resources they need to improve literacy skills to meet personal goals, and fulfill their responsibilities as parents, members of the community, students, and workers Opening the Library

 Temporary location in KAA building ◦ Shelving and donated furniture and books delivered to temporary space  KBE was able to secure space in the Kainai Multipurpose Building, then in the planning stages ◦ Shelving moved over, new furniture ordered for new facility. ◦ Assistance of KAA students and local Rotary Club

Funding

 Membership agreement is with KBE  KBE pays full Chinook Arch fee (municipal fee + library board fee) on behalf of reserve population  Library Services Grant from PLSB is used to operate library ◦ $5.45 per capita at 2010 pop. of 7,726 ◦ $42,107 for 2014/2015 ◦ No additional operating funds from KBE or Chief and Council Fund Raising Community Impact

 Approx. 700 members  Library card issued to every KBE student  High school bussing students to the library every second week  Heavy use of public internet computers  Circulation numbers: ◦ 2013: 600 ◦ YTD 2014: 900

Challenges

 Funding  Political environment  Developing collections  Staffing

What Made it Work

 Grassroots initiative  Relationship building  Persistence  Flexibility  Good timing  Having the right people in the room  Excitement – media coverage

Kainai Library Mission Statement The Kainai Public Library provides access to ideas, resources, information, and entertainment in a welcoming community gathering place. The library enriches literacy and lifelong learning while celebrating and preserving Blackfoot culture, language, and traditional knowledge. Robin Hepher Associate Director Chinook Arch Library System 403-380-1507 [email protected] CONTACT