Indigenous Services
Our journey towards understanding Indigenous history, culture and practices has only begun. Mâmawô ayâwin, meaning “all being together” in Plains Cree, reflects EPL's efforts to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples together to build community. Join a class, attend an event, or borrow materials and let's learn together.
Contents
Indigenous: Featured
Events: Mâmawôayâwin
Indigenous Events and Blogs
Treaty 101: History and Understanding of Treaty 6
Mâmawô ayâwin
Libraries have long been community gathering places for people and ideas. EPL offers open, inviting and comfortable spaces that provide refuge, comfort and community for all Edmontonians. At the Library, customers can pursue solo endeavours, whether reading, study or work, or connect with others, whether family, friends, colleagues or the community at large.
EPL also serves as connector, actively bringing diverse groups together, whether in person or online. We promote dialogue, increasing understanding and inspiring change.
It is in this spirit that we developed Mâmawô ayâwin.
Mâmawô ayâwin means “all being together” in Nehiyawewin (Plains Cree). The name is a reflection of EPL’s intention to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples together to learn, discuss and celebrate under various topics.
Following in the footsteps of PÎYÊSÎW WÂSKÂHIKAN, EPL’s Indigenous gathering space at the new Stanley A. Milner Library, Mâmawô ayâwin also uses the Indigenous language to bring visibility to Indigenous languages within EPL.
We look forward to gathering with you, in person and online, as we continue the conversation about our kinship to each other and to the land.
About the Image
Recognizing the powerful role of imagery in storytelling, EPL felt it was crucial that customers see the Indigenous community reflected in the visuals associated with the Mâmawô ayâwin series. That’s why we commissioned local artist Lance Cardinal of Bigstone Cree Nation, Treaty 8 territory, to create the image that will be used across all Mâmawô ayâwin promotional materials.
The Inspiration
About the Artist
Lance Cardinal is a 2-spirit First Nations artist from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory. His artist name is ᐊᐧᒐᐢᐠ, meaning wacask or Muskrat. He is the founder and director of Soulflame Creative Services, one of the leading Indigenous Arts organizations in Edmonton. His Indigenous teachings and influences come from his home community of Calling Lake, Alberta, Canada.
