A Book Launch was held on July 26th at the Thorold Public Library to thank Mayor Ted Luciani for a personal donation of a First Nations, Métis, Inuit collection of 25 books.
The collection includes books that offer insight into First Nations history, culture and traditions. The donation is intended to improve relationships and develop learning opportunities among Indigenous and Canadians.
A special presentation was made by Michele-Elise Burnett, Niagara Regional Director of the IGNITE the Spirit of Education Foundation.
Michele-Elise is a proud Métis with Algonquin roots from Kitigan Zibi Bear Clan and serves as Vice President of Ignite the Spirit of Education Foundation, Inc. This initiative helps support the awareness, appreciation, and use of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit books in public libraries, on-reserve libraries, and Friendship Centres, and, through a variety of programs, works to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners.
You might also know Michele-Elise from her work in Niagara broadcasting. After graduating from Ryerson University’s School of Radio and Television Arts, she became a third generation radio station owner. In partnership with her mother, they owned and operated Spirit 91.7 FM Radio based in Welland and serving Southern Ontario and Western New York. The accomplished mother and daughter team were the first Aboriginal women to be granted a private broadcasting license in Canada.
The Thorold Public Library is located at 14 Ormond Street North. Go online at www.thoroldpubliclibrary.ca for directions.
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