Indigenization of Beaty Branch
Milton Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
An Indigenous garden was planted in spring 2022 at Beaty Branch with a view to centre Indigenous ways of knowing about the land, plants and medicines. These teachings were supported by a year of Indigenous-centered programming.
Challenge/Opportunity
Strategies to transform Milton Public Library's public spaces to create safe ways for communities to access services, enjoy the outdoors and to learn of our Indigenous heritages. Especially for the Indigenous community to foster the library’s commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation.
Key Elements of Innovation
The aim of the project was to make Beaty Branch a more inclusive space, indoors and out, by re-imagining the library as a safe, vibrant and inclusive community space; a place where people gather to be inspired. The three pillars of this project are: the outdoor space, Indigenous-centered knowledge and the collections.
Achieved Outcomes
The garden is filled with pollinator-friendly species native to Ontario, with a view to centering Indigenous ways of knowing about the land, plants and medicines. These teachings are supported with Indigenous-centered programming, featuring voices of Indigenous people and brought the Milton community together to share in building healthy communities through DEI.