On behalf of the Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the First Nation Consultants assist First Nation public libraries by providing them with services and programs that meet their needs including consulting, training and development services. First Nation Consultants also provide support to First Nation communities hoping to apply for provincial funding to establish on-reserve public libraries through the Public Library Operating Grant and First Nation Salary Supplement programs.

Consulting Services

First Nation Consultants provide support to 39 on-reserve public libraries by sourcing feedback and guidance from the librarians to develop customized skills training, advise on best practices, and maintain practical and accessible annual programs. The First Nation Consultants also provide guidance and support to communities hoping to establish on-reserve public libraries.

For more information or support, please contact Nancy Cooper or Deanna Nebenionquit.

For information about grants including the Public Library Operating Grant and First Nation Salary Supplement, please visit this webpage.
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Events & Programs

First Nations Public Library Week<br><br>

First Nations Public Library Week

FNPLW is held the first week of October, during Canadian Library Month.
First Nation Communities READ<br><br>

First Nation Communities READ

FNCR celebrates the very best of Indigenous literature across Turtle Island.
<br><br><br>Spring Gathering<br><br>




Spring Gathering

An annual customized conference for First Nation public librarians hosted in May.
<br>First Nation Languages Portal<br><br>


First Nation Languages Portal

Find resources for use for community engagement, programming, and collections .

Our Way Forward Strategic Plan (2004)

First Nation librarians completed the Our Way Forward Strategic Plan in 2004, along with Needs Assessment Reports in later years. First Nation librarians are invited to complete the FN Training Survey which helps First Nation Consultants tailor professional development and training offered by Ontario Library Service. Examples of professional development sessions can be viewed in the Taking Care of Communities - First Nation Public Librarian Learning Strategy.

History of First Nation Public Libraries in Ontario

The following inforgraphics outline the history of First Nation Public Libraries in Ontario and act as practical resources for conducting library business:

Northern Ontario First Nation Graphic Novel Collective (Will Eisner)

Ontario Library Service - North is the first EVER Canadian recipient of the Will Eisner Innovation Grant to run the Northern Ontario First Nation Graphic Novel Collective. Any public library is welcome to use the following resources: Discussion | Activity Guide, poster template, artist interviews.

The Will Eisner Innovation Grant provided funding to mail 10 copies of Marvel's Voices: Indigenous Voices #1 and a collection of other graphic novel-related materials to each First Nation public library in Northern Ontario.