NorQuest College Library recognizes that our catalogue and resource descriptions contain language that reflects the biases, norms, and perspectives of the time in which they were created.
In particular, for resources about persons and groups, this language is often outdated and harmful. These descriptions also incorporate controlled vocabularies, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings, which include some headings (e.g., Indians of North America), that are offensive or inappropriate. We use international standards for description, but support and actively participate in efforts to update and change these practices as we strive for descriptions that are inclusive, respectful, and do not cause harm.
We acknowledge the critical importance of community consultation in these efforts, and as residents on Treaty 6 territory and Métis Region 4 we commit to working together with our local communities to make these changes.
We pledge to amplify the voices of BIPOC and other groups of people that have been marginalized by the dominant narratives. These anti-racist efforts will be present in:
- Our collection processes as we source more BIPOC authors and catalogue them using a holistic lens;
- Our instructional practices guided by the Skills of Distinction, Circle of Courage, and Wahkôhtowin, among other sources; and
- Our policy decisions as we create spaces and services in our library that will approach the needs of our communities through collaboration and learning.
We are committed to critically reflecting on our actions in order to transform the colonial systems we operate within and we acknowledge the journey towards social justice will be ongoing and imperfect.