The Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is implementing an Elder in Residence pilot project with the goal of building mutually beneficial relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
“This initiative is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn from the experiences, wisdom, and knowledge the elder will bring,” says VIRL’s executive director, Rosemary Bonanno. “I have no doubt that the elder’s presence will have an immediate positive impact on our collective path to reconciliation, both inside the library and out.”
VIRL is currently accepting nominations for this initiative. This will be contracted position for two days a week at an urban VIRL branch for a period of one year.
They are seeking an elder who will:
Engage in meaningful conversations with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of all ages, backgrounds, etc.
Have an open, approachable personality
Assist people on their personal journeys towards truth and reconciliation
Provide the opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to meet for cultural support, guidance, and teaching
Possess strong leadership qualities, including excellent listening skills that put people at ease
Share their Indigenous knowledge, traditions, ceremonies, languages, and customs
Some desired outcomes of the Elder’s involvement include:
Engaging with customers and staff to advance reconciliation
Hosting programming for cross-cultural understanding
Suggesting ideas for Library services and/or programs
Helping to build new relationships between VIRL and Indigenous communities
Providing input on collection development.
To nominate an Indigenous elder for this role, members of the public are encouraged to contact Campbell River librarian Joëlle Samson at jsamson@virl.bc.ca or 250-287-3655. The search will run until July 31.