Welcome to Indigenous Initiatives at York University Libraries. Libraries are a space to create, share, and absorb information. Here at York University Libraries Cora Coady, the Indigenous Teaching and Learning Librarian, and the Indigenous Action Working Group strive to carry out work with three main goals:
- Support Indigenous students and researchers
- Forefront Indigenous Knowledges
- Provide opportunities for professional development
Upcoming Event
Join us in honouring Indigenous student artists and the collaborative design of Miinkaanensing, the Indigenous Reading Room.
York University Libraries will be hosting an Indigenous Student Art Show from November 5, 2025 to November 28th, 2025.
Space
Miinkaanensing: Indigenous Reading Room provides Indigenous students with a quiet place to engage in their studies and easy access to a curated collection of Indigenous resources. In place-making with Indigenous students, we are decolonizing one small section of the library and responding directly to student needs. The name Miinkaanensing means “at the seed” in Anishinaabemowin and was gifted to the room by Ninaatig Philip Staats Pangowish and is meant to represent the grown and potential that is present in both students and their studies as well as the libraries and Indigenous community members.
Guidelines for use of the Indigenous Students Reading Room
- Seven Grandfather Teachings Code of Conduct
- Honesty: Be responsible and honourable in your decision to use this space.
- Respect: Respect the intention of the space, your peers, and the resources.
- Wisdom: Use your experience and knowledge to help yourself and others grow.
- Truth: Speak the truth in written and spoken word.
- Bravery: Act with integrity. Speak up if you see others disrespecting the space or your peers.
- Humility: Know yourself as a part of the York community. Use the space in cooperation with your peers.
- Love: Your ability to love others will guide you to fulfill your responsibilities.
Research Guides
We have developed research guides that will guide students through the research process and provide them with a curated list of resources for completing their work.
Featured collections
We have created featured collections to highlight themes in Indigenous literature and culturally significant topics. These collections also coincide with physical book displays. Our book displays enhance the discoverability of Indigenous scholars and knowledges.
Cataloguing
The way knowledge is organized in libraries and library resources (catalogues, databases, dictionaries and thesauri) is a product of colonialism. Over the last few decades, policy-setting institutions like Library and Archives Canada and the Library of Congress in the United States have examined problematic and/or harmful subject headings. The links below explore solutions and progress on this essential part of library organization.
Land Acknowledgement
We recognize that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships with the territories upon which York University campuses are located that precede the establishment of York University. York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. The area known as Tkaronto [Tig-ar-on-toe] has been care taken by the Anishinabek [Nish-na-bek] Nation, the Haudenosaunee [Ho-dee-no-sho-nee] Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region.