YOUNG ACTIVIST READING ROOM

Speak With Me

Opening February 15, 2024 | Museum and Archives of North Vancouver

Activism begins with finding your voice

Curated by I Dream Library in connection with the exhibit AGENTS OF CHANGE: CHIEF DAN GEORGE LEGACY, this literary installation welcomes all ages to further engage the exhibit through themes of: brave conversations, personal and cultural pride, and connection to place. The library reflects our responsibility to each other through books that offer an intercultural perspective of recent history. Colour and textiles artworks represent elements of səl̓ilw̓ət (the Burrard Inlet): squished blackberry, velvet moss, Chinook salmon, salmonberry flowers, ocean waters, and beach stones. A handwoven fishing net, inspired by MONOVA’s archival collections, encourages visitors to share in the nourishment of learning from Indigenous wisdom, activism, and stewardship.

- Aisha Kiani & Rakim, I Dream Library

How to use this page

A portal to equity learning, teaching prompts, and systems change inspiration

Click on the hyperlinks to learn more about each artist, designer, and storyteller.
Click on the book titles to learn more about the story, creators, art, equity topics, and languages used in each one.
Videos introduce the book’s themes and creators, to engage visual and auditory learners, and inspire equity conversations with students, colleagues friends and family

MAKERS IN THIS SPACE

Textile works by Rashelle Campbell, Aisha Kiani, Debbie I-Ching Sun, and Smarin.

THE READING LIST

These stories explore themes of intergenerational and intercultural conversation

Picturebooks

Click on a book to find each story’s art, language, creators, and more

Sḵ'ad'a Stories Series

Based on the experiences and memories of Sara Florence Davidson and her father, Robert Davidson, these stories highlight intergenerational learning and community celebration.

Spirit Bear Series

A member of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Spirit Bear represents the 165,000 First Nations children impacted by the First Nations child welfare case at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, as well as the thousands of other children who have committed to learning about the case and have taken part in peaceful and respectful actions in support of reconciliation and equity.

We Are Water Protectors

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across Turtle Island, We Are Water Protectors is an urgent rallying cry to protect the Earth’s water from harm and corruption.

Graphic Novels

NON-FICTION, MEMOIR, EDUCATION

The Best of Chief Dan George

This edition by Chief Dan George combines My Heart Soars, My Spirit Soars and Lament for Confederation. Illustrated throughout by Helmut Hirnschall, this book has a universal message to all people. Chief Dan George’s legacy includes a large family that continue his message through many generations. He was chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, an accomplished performer, poet, philosopher, activist and champion of ecojustice - environmental and Indigenous rights