MH Public Library hosting several truth and reconciliation events
By Samantha Johnson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on September 19, 2023.
reporter@medicinehatnews.com There is plenty going on at the Medicine Hat Public Library over the next two weeks. Chief librarian Ken Feser stated, “We’ve had a super busy September. It’s great but it will be nice to take a breath in October.” On Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. the movie Indian Horse will be showing, followed by a discussion with guest speakers. The movie is about a residential schoolboy who finds a route out through playing hockey. While not a MHPL initiative, Feser wanted to get the word out about the Taste of Culture potluck on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. being put on by Unisphere and sponsored by the library. It will take place at the far end of Strathcona Island Park in the pavilion building beside the pond. “Anybody who wants to go, you can just come.,” said Feser. “If you want to bring food, it doesn’t have to be from a different culture. Canada is a culture too, so Timbits or Nanaimo bars, or anything you want.” On Sunday will be a multicultural fair at the library. “It’s not directly related to Truth and Reconciliation but has an element of it. We are thinking about all the different groups in our community,” said Feser. Different agencies will be there, giant board games, teas from around the world and a Somali food experience. Two different workshops are running at 1 p.m., Chinese brush painting and Indigenous Rattle Making. At 4 p.m. there will be a keynote speaker talking about culturally inclusive communities. MHPL board has also put aside money for Indigenous artwork. “I’m really proud of our art but, there is very little Indigenous art and I’d like to see a presence with that,” said Feser. This project is in the beginning stages and MHPL is reaching out to local Indigenous artists. 13-12
