The Squamish Public Library has materials for all ages to learn about Indigenous peoples, culture, and history, including the Indian Residential School experience and the ongoing Truth & Reconciliation process.

Below you will find suggested resources, both from the library and elsewhere.

Booklists for Adults

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw

Resources, history, and interviews related to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) members, customs, traditions, and history, as well as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Snichim (Squamish language) information and resources.

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Residential Schools and Reconciliation

A selection of library materials relating to the Residential School experience in Canada, including first person accounts from survivors, and the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

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Booklists for Children

Picture Books: First Nations and Metis Reads

First Nations and Metis stories written by Indigenous authors.

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Picture Books: Inuit Reads

Children’s books by Inuit authors and about Inuit people.

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Picture Books: Residential Schools

Children’s books that reflect on the residential school experience in different ways. These have all been identified as age-appropriate for children under 12.

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External Resources

Squamish Atlas

An online Skwxwú7mesh language place name map tool.

Squamish Nation Talking Dictionary

This Ta wa níchim sḵexwts (the Talking Dictionary) helps you pronounce words in the Squamish Nation language.

First Peoples Map of BC

Explore and contribute to the interactive map of the Indigenous Languages, Arts and Heritage in B.C.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) published its final report detailing the experiences and impacts of the residential school systems.

One outcome of the report was a document detailing 94 calls to action across a wide range of areas.

Read more about what reconciliation is (and what it isn’t) in this blog post.

Indigenous Canada Open Online Course

Indigenous Canada Open Online Course is a 12-lesson free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.

Indigenous Podcasts

Vancouver Public Library Indigenous Storyteller in Residence Kung Jaadee shares this list of top podcasts by Indigenous creators keeping the storytelling tradition alive.

Squamish Nation Stories from the Heart

This six-part Squamish Historical Society documentary, Stories from the Heart, opens a window on the Squamish Nation from the early 20th century to the present, through original video footage, archival and family photos and personal reminiscences.

First People of the Pacific Northwest: The Photography of Edward S. Curtis

This Squamish Historical Society video documentary is based on selected images of Indigenous People from the State of Washington, British Columbia, and the coast of Alaska, captured by frontier photographer Edward S. Curtis between 1896 and 1930, during his journey across North America.

PAST EVENTS


In 2021, the library honoured the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, by listening to Squamish Nation Elders. You can watch the recording of Honouring Residential School Survivors online:

Namwayut – An Evening with Chief Robert Joseph (recording)
On April 12, 2023, we had the honor of hosting Chief Robert Joseph in Squamish to speak about his new book Namwayut: A Pathway to Reconciliation. Chief Joseph spoke about his experience at St. Michael’s Indian Residential School, his own immense work towards Reconciliation, and his vision for Canada and the world if we all take part in Reconciliation work. You can watch the recording of the event online: