Caretakers of the Land—Virtual Learning in Schools
Calgary Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Calgary Public Library’s Caretakers of the Land program responds to national Calls to Action, providing credible resources, age-appropriate programming, and lesson plans about Indigenous culture and history. Through virtual, community-led content, the Library is supporting educators and students, meeting needs in a dynamic way.
Challenge/Opportunity
After the initial virtual program in 2021, educators expressed a desire for accessible content about Indigenous topics to supplement their curriculum. The Library worked with educators, Indigenous Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to develop virtual programming that has evolved from general author readings to issue-based topics and discussions with a variety of different First Nations, Métis, and Inuit speakers.
Key Elements of Innovation
Caretakers of the Land is an innovative solution that serves two of the Library’s key audiences. Using a hybrid of live and pre-recorded approach, we record Indigenous presenters at their convenience, creating relevant content that has further impact with a live portion for engagement and Q&As. The downloadable educators’ guide, with activities for Grades K – 6, extends the experience by offering classrooms the ability to continue their learning beyond the virtual program.
Achieved Outcomes
In 2022, more than 44,000 Albertan students participated in the virtual program. Since the pilot, it has reached nearly 61,000 students in 2,761 classrooms. The program’s hybrid format offers a convenient way for schools to engage with important Indigenous community members, inspiring conversations about Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing in classrooms across Alberta. Caretakers of the Land also allows the Library to meet community needs and support our education system.
