Posted on 30 September 2026 by Chris Brown.
A new initiative at Medicine Hat Public Library will increase Indigenous representation in its collections and services, further its commitment to reconciliation, and build community.
Chief Librarian Ken Feser announced today a $5,000 project that will see the MHPL contract with Indigenous individuals or groups to showcase Indigenous people, knowledge and culture within the library.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS/APPLICATION
Feser says that it’s the responsibility of public agencies like libraries to be participants in the reconciliation movement in Canada, and to make room for Indigenous people and voices. As well, Feser says library staff want to make it a welcoming, inclusive and relevant space for all people in our community.
“We're really looking forward to this and we're excited about it,” says Feser. “We’ve been wanting to do something like this for a while. We've been working with Indigenous people and First Nations in different ways, and now it's time for us to get on doing some bigger things.”
Proposals are now being accepted, and $5,000 has been budgeted. Proposals will be accepted until all funds are allocated.
The criteria, Feser says, is that any proposed project must come from an Indigenous person or person who has a connection to the Indigenous community and must be relevant or connected to Indigenous cultures in some manner. He lists books or other collection items, artwork for display in the library, programs for the public to teach culture, craft and other subjects with Indigenous content, and an Elder-in-residence as ideas identified as potential submissions.
“But we're open to anything, even something that we don't anticipate,” he adds. “It's not our place to say what is Indigenous. That's really for the indigenous community to decide.”
Elder Charle Fox of the Kainai Nation was on hand for the announcement. He applauds the library for the initiative, saying it's a plus not only for Indigenous people but for all people.
"I think we know that the more we're able to acquire knowledge whether it be through the books or from the schools, and the colleges, and elders that teach about life, and life lessons ... all these things all come to play, they're there to help people have a greater understanding."
Applications are available on the library’s website or in person at Medicine Hat Public Library.
Email Feser at [email protected] to submit your application and for more information on the project.
Follow the library on social media: @mhpubliclibrary