Anishina̅be Algonquin Nation, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation were involved in the new official name announced for the Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Joint Facility.
The name given for the facility is A̅diso̅ke.
A̅diso̅ke is an Anishina̅bemowin word that refers to the telling of stories.
Storytelling is the traditional means by which Indigenous Peoples share knowledge, culture and history over generations.
A̅diso̅ke is a meaningful and fitting name for the joint facility, as storytelling represents the coming together of knowledge, history, discovery, culture, creativity, collaboration, and connections.
A̅diso̅ke also evokes what is at the heart of the partner institutions: Library and Archives Canada as a keeper of Canadian and Indigenous stories, and Ottawa Public Library’s use of stories to build community and transform lives, inspiring learning, sparking curiosity, and connecting people.
The site for the joint facility is located on the unceded, traditional territory of the Anishina̅be Algonquin Nation, who have lived in the area since time immemorial.
Elders and Members of the Anishina̅be Algonquin Nation are important partners in influencing the design of the facility and the selection of the name A̅diso̅ke.
As collaboration with the Algonquin Nation continues, other rooms in A̅diso̅ke will be given Anishina̅be Algonquin names, such as the Children’s Discovery Centre, a Wigwam-inspired Circular Lodge and its adjacent exterior terrace, and the Outdoor Gathering Circle.
The project team will also continue to engage with the Anishina̅be Algonquin Nation and other First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals and organizations to inform the programs and services that will be offered in A̅diso̅ke.
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Members that participated in the Unveiling of the Name Ceremony were: Della Meness, Education Manager, Councillor Merv Sarazin, Kevin Lamarr, AOPFN Cultural Coordinator, Elder Irvin Sarazin, and Sylvia Tennisco and William Dick, A̅diso̅ke committee members.
Also on hand to honour the name of the new facility were Mayor Jim Watson, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and MP for Ottawa Centre, and Councillor Matthew Luloff, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board.
