Indigenous Engagement
Ādisōke — it is fitting that, before all else, we see and hear a word in a language that originates with the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation and their Territories. Ādisōke is an Anishinabemowin word that refers to the telling of stories.
Just as it is with all good storytelling, relationship is what makes it happen, through the connections between the knowledges, the storytellers, and the audiences through time. Ādisōke is a place that will hold countless stories, and welcome diverse storytellers and audiences. For that reason, relationship building is essential to designing and planning a facility and services that respectfully include stories belonging to Anishinabe Algonquin Nation, as well as the many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Ottawa and across the country.
In June, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) and Ottawa Public Library (OPL) visited community members of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation to share updates on Ādisōke’s building progress and to seek direction and insights that will inform the planning of services and programming.
The opening of Ādisōke will be an exciting milestone for the relationships we have begun with the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. Maintaining and deepening these relationships will be essential to successfully fulfill the vision of Ādisōke as a welcoming and inclusive place where people will come together to explore, learn, create and connect through the power of stories.
To review a timeline of past engagement, visit About | ādisōke.
Photo 1: LAC and OPL staff with members of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, meeting to discuss Ādisōke’s progress.
Project Update
Over the summer months, construction continues to make great progress at Ādisōke, bringing exciting plans to life!
Outside, the green roof is taking shape, with soil and plantings nearly complete. The landscape is also coming alive as new trees are planted, adding more green to the site.
Inside Ādisōke, the site is buzzing with activity. Painting, lighting, millwork, tile, and flooring are all coming together. It is exciting to see the finishing details take shape!
Photo 2: Interior view of Ādisōke as construction work continues on the millwork, drywall and painting.
Photo 3 : Multi-level view of Ādisōke as construction continues in the atrium, with the flooring installation underway.
Photo 4: Exterior view of ongoing landscape and concrete work.
Storey-telling series
We are sharing the details of each space within Ādisōke, one “storey” at a time!
Our “storey-telling” series continues to showcase some of the exciting features that will be offered on each level of the facility.
Check out our latest storey-telling articles on Ādisōke.ca:
- Adult Fiction Section and Reading Area | ādisōke
- OPL Community Connections | ādisōke
- Music Instrument Library and Rehearsal Room | ādisōke
- Adult Non-Fiction Section | ādisōke
- Heritage Lounge | ādisōke
- Research Room | ādisōke
- Heritage Workshop | ādisōke
- https://adisoke.ca/news-post/storey-telling-rare-books-and-lowy-collection-room/
Be sure to check back regularly to learn more about the other spaces that will be found on each floor!