Library Micro Galleries honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and children

Mixed among the books in libraries across London and Middlesex County, visitors might discover a piece of artwork meant to prompt reflection and education. These books, covered in Indigenous fabrics, have the names of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls printed on them in gold lettering, with invitations for visitors to follow a QR code to learn more. 

The project, initiated by national non-profit, The Canadian Library, is being embraced by a number of library organizations across the city, including Brescia's Beryl Ivey Library, in their efforts toward truth, reconciliation and decolonization and as a way to honour and build awareness of the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

The Canadian Library’s Micro Gallery Project is a community-engaged installation that includes over 6,000 hard-cover recycled books in more than 300 locations across Canada, including libraries, restaurants, retail spaces like IKEA, police departments, and non-profit organizations.  

"We are honoured to partner with Brescia’s Agents of Change, alongside The Canadian Library and local organizations, to bring attention to the thousands of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people who have been murdered or have gone missing. We warmly welcome the city onto our campus to visit the display Brescia students and staff have thoughtfully put together in honour of these victims of gender-based violence. Our Micro Gallery is located inside the Beryl Ivey Library, a place of learning and community, with the purpose of furthering meaningful dialogue in the spirit of truth and reconciliACTION,” said Kate Norton, Director of Library Services at Brescia.

The Brescia Micro Gallery exhibit is a collection of 45 fabric-wrapped books, accompanied by stories of each of the known victims which have been graciously supplied by The Canadian Library. Books without any names represent those whom, to date, have untold stories but are equally deserving of our time, care and commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

In addition to the Micro Gallery on site, Brescia will host a special session on the Sacredness of Women with honorary guest Liz Akiwenzie (Ojibway and Oneida Cultural Educator/Knowledge Keeper) on Wednesday, November 15 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Beryl Ivey Library. This event is an opportunity to hold space with community members and to nurture knowledge-sharing in ways that are necessary to move forward in justice and healing. All are welcome to attend. 

Mary Lou Smoke is an Indigenous elder from the Anishinaabe, Lakota, and Mi'kmaq Nations. It has been more than two decades since her sister was murdered. Her sister’s name, Debbie Ann Sloss-Clarke, is one of the many whose names are embossed on the books. 

“The missing and murdered Indigenous women are sisters, mothers, aunties, grandmothers and the best friends of many,” said Smoke. “It's important to always remember them - their lives were taken away before they had a chance to share their special gifts in this beautiful life that we each have been blessed with. They must not be forgotten.” 

The local initiative in London and Middlesex County includes a collaboration between eight libraries, each hosting their own micro galleries. The locations include Weldon Library, London Public Library’s Central Library, Beryl Ivey Library at Brescia University College, Huron University College Library, Cardinal Carter Library at King's University College, the FIMS Graduate Library, Fanshawe College’s Learning Library Commons, and the Middlesex County Library’s Coldstream Branch.   

“London is unique[MS1]  in the breadth of this collaboration with so many partners. They are going to be able to share with so many people,” said Shanta Sundarason, the founder of The Canadian Library. “It’s incredible to see them all come together in this way.” 

All of the locations have been pinned on an interactive map developed with the help of the Geographic Information Systems team at Western Libraries. Those inspired to create their own micro gallery can also add their location to the map using the form on the site.   

All of the books from across Canada will eventually be brought together in one permanent installation. 

“You can’t walk past one of these books or a shelf full of them without stopping to look,” said Sundarason. “First and foremost, we wanted these art installations to encourage people to stop and take notice and ask questions. We have found that many people are going on to visit the website to read the stories and to learn more, so we feel we are achieving even more than what we set out to do.”