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Markham advocate initiates nationwide Canadian Library project for true reconciliation

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 26, 2022
Irene Wong

“Only with the truth being shared can true reconciliation happen.”

So says Shanta Sundarason, founder of the social justice group the Giving Tree Unionville in Markham, who has initiated a project to prompt conversation about the sheer number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and children.

The Canadian Library, commemorating the First Nations, Metis and Inuit women and children who have been murdered or gone missing, makes its formal public debut at Varley Art Gallery in Markham on Sept. 24.

This is a collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous creators that aims to remind Canadians that every missing and murdered Indigenous woman and girl (MMIWG) has a story. Indigenous artist Sandra Moore of Hiawatha First Nation is involved in the project.

“When I was first approached by the Canadian Library, I was shocked to discover that women, other than other Indigenous women, care about our MMIWG and children. As an Indigenous woman, I am honoured to have the privilege of working with these allies and sisters, in this unique and powerful way to pay respect to our MMIWG and raise awareness among all Canadians. The history and truth about Indigenous people is a dark stain on Canada, and this project starts to give colour to the stain.”

Every MMIWG’s name is printed on the spine of a book, which has been hand-wrapped in original, Indigenous-designed fabrics. The books form a dazzling and diverse showcase of Indigenous design, as presented in bookshelves.

The books are hand-wrapped in original, Indigenous-designed fabrics by volunteers.

Mim Harder, Indigenous elder, grandmother and educator of Canada’s true history, shared her thought about the project with Markham Economist and Sun before the debut.

“Personally, I think it is amazing that a group of settler/newcomers to this land are interested enough in what first people face, to learn, educate themselves and then do something to bring awareness to others. This project is a huge undertaking.”

Harder hopes the project will “encourage others to not only learn about the truth of what has and is still happening on this land, but to find ways to change our collective narrative so that everyone can enjoy all the amenities that many take for granted in this country we now call Canada.”

She cited Justice Murray Sinclair, former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: “Education is what got us into this mess and education (or re-education) is what will get us out.”

“I believe this,” Harder said. “It is how we will learn to build relationships with each other and walk together, hand in hand, to create a better world for those coming behind us.”

The public can take in the deeply emotional display at various locations. Markham Stouffville Hospital is one of the sites planned for display. On Sept. 21, Harder and Sundarason guided the participants from the hospital through an activity to hand-wrap books and engage in conversation. The goal is 8,000 wrapped books to be resided in a yet-to-be-determined public setting.

“My vision for the Canadian Library was to help start important conversations and educate each other about the true history of Canada, with a living art installation that every Canadian could participate in,” Sundarason said.

In addition to viewing the library in their communities, the public can contribute to the non-profit project through donations or purchases that cover programming and fabric costs, donating hardcover books to be wrapped, and volunteering. Donation opportunities are available at www.thecanadianlibrary.ca.

The Canadian Library installations are initially planned for the following sites: