Indigenous & First Nations Studies: Welcome

Most libraries have been created from a colonial perspective, which means they often organize and collect knowledge in that same way. VCC Library is working to decolonize our practices, spaces, and collections, but there is still much to be done.

There is so much Indigenous knowledge that exists in communities, in oral traditions, in culture, in the natural world - this guide only touches on a minuscule piece of Indigenous knowledge and is by no means comprehensive.

Wherever possible, VCC Library features Indigenous voices and perspectives in our collection. Please consider doing the same in your own research.

Consider what kind of information you are looking for... 

• General information, such as territory maps, reference books, or an overview of First Nations nearby? Look under Background Information.
• Information on how to find books (print or electronic) in the library? Newest additions to the collection? Look under Books.
• The latest research on Indigenous Studies? Tips on searching databases? Respectful research? Look under Articles, Reports, & Research.
• How to cite Elders? Information on APA style citation? Look under Citation.
• Links to Indigenous libraries? Information portals? Maps? Government websites? Look under Websites.
• Books on a specific topic such as Indigenous Languages, Land Treaties, etc.? Look under Special Topics.
• Information about Reconciliation - how you can be involved, current initiatives, and more? Look under Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Hello and welcome to this web page from VCC Library. Here you will find resources on many different Indigenous topics. Whether you are an Indigenous student at VCC, or you simply want to know more - you are have come to the right place!

My name is Mari Paz Vera, and I am a librarian here at VCC Library. I was born in Ecuador and Spanish is my first language. I come from a family of educators - both my parents and two of my three siblings are educators. I moved to Vancouver more than a decade ago to pursue a Master in Library and Information Studies. Since then, I have lived on the traditional lands of Coast Salish territories. I joined VCC in 2007. I love my work here, especially when I get to meet with students and help them find the information they need. Please contact me if you would like any assistance using the library or would just like to say hello. I look forward to meeting you!

Here is a video series from Kwantlen Polytechnic University about Indigenous Information Literacy - essentially, these videos are about locating, evaluating, and using information in an Indigenous context. Thank you Rachel Chong for creating these videos!