The mission of Lincoln Pelham Public Library is to build connections. During National Indigenous History Month, we invite our community to connect with stories, histories, and perspectives shared by Indigenous voices as a meaningful way to learn about and celebrate Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Lincoln Pelham Public Library is on the traditional lands and territories of the Hatiwendaronk, Haudenosaunee, and Anishinaabeg, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Six Nations of the Grand River, many of whom continue to live and work in Lincoln and Pelham today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties (No. 3) and by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement.
Lincoln Pelham Public Library recognizes the contributions and stewardship of all Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. We are committed to celebrating and sharing stories from Indigenous communities and creating space for education and dialogue as we collectively acknowledge hard truths and work toward reconciliation.
Find below a list of library and local resources.
The Canadian Library
The Fleming and Fonthill Branches each host a microgallery of The Canadian Library, a grassroots art installation project that acts as a memorial to all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls (MMIWG2S) and Children.
The Moose Hide Campaign
The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from local communities, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges/universities, police forces and many other organizations – all committed to taking action to end this violence.
Moose hide and synthetic pins are available at all branches.
New: Spirits of the Carolinian Mural At Maple Acre
A mural by self-taught Métis artist Deb Malcom was installed on the exterior of Maple Acre Branch this month. Malcom is a Red River (Manitoba Métis Federation) citizen based in Crystal Beach.
Her designs draw inspiration from native flowers and reflect the traditional beadwork practices of the Métis, also known as the “Flower Beadwork People”
This installation is one of three Indigenous murals recently unveiled by Niagara’s South Coast.
Explore LPPL’s collection of Indigenous stories and ideas:
All locations have dedicated Indigenous collections. Look for the orange “Indigenous Author” sticker on the spine. Find curated booklists below. You can also find Indigenous titles on Libby and CloudLibrary.
Booklists
Books for Adults
Books for Teens
Books for Children
StoryWalks®
Read Walking Together by Elder Dr. Albert D. Marshall & Louise Zimanyiin Hilary Bald Park (4485 Garden Gate Terrace, Beamsville) for the month of June.
Read Stand Like a Cedar by Nicola I. Campbell in Peace Park (20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill) from Monday, June 15 – Monday, June 22.
Community Events & Spaces
Town of Pelham
Discover local activities taking place in the Town of Pelham.
Town of Lincoln
Visit Sho’aríshon Park in Jordan, which honours the history of the Neutral Nation (Attawandaron), the first known inhabitants of the land now called Lincoln. Created in close collaboration with Indigenous partners, the park includes a rain garden with native species, an interpretive longhouse structure, shaded gathering spaces, storytelling signage, and public art.
Other Sites to Explore
Rekindling All Our Relations Audio Tour
Embark on a self-guided audio tour hike of the stunning Niagara Glen. Free to the public, this unique hiking experience merges nature, culture, and storytelling into a profound exploration of Indigenous wisdom and connection
Woodland Cultural Centre
The Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford works to preserve Haudenosaunee language, history and art through its museum, art galleries and educational programs. Established in 1972, after the Mohawk Institute Residential School closed, Woodland has spent 50 years collecting artifacts and celebrating Indigenous cultural heritage.
The Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Map
This is a multimedia online resource containing photos, video and information that identifies important Indigenous historic, cultural, and natural world locations along more than 750 kilometres from Niagara Falls to the western region of Manitoulin Island.
NativeLand.ca
Discover the Indigenous languages and treaties for your local area by entering an address into the Native Land Digital interactive map. Its mission is to map Indigenous lands that changes, challenges and improves the way people see history and the present day.
Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
Learn more about First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples, along with information about Truth and Reconciliation in Canada through the online version of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada.