TMU Libraries has installed a micro gallery that acts as memorial to all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Men, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWGM2S). The gallery, located on the main floor of the Main Library, is comprised of books wrapped in materials sourced from Indigenous vendors. Some of the books have been marked with the names of lives lost printed in gold on the spines. The books were wrapped by students, staff and librarians during book wrapping events held in March at the Libraries’ Digital Media Experience Lab. The micro gallery installation is part of The Canadian Library project to respect and honour the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, men and two-spirit people
What is the Canadian Library project (TCL)?
The Canadian Library (TCL) is a grassroots art installation project that acts as a memorial to all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Men, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWGM2S).
The project currently consists of micro galleries installed at various locations across Canada. A micro gallery is a temporary art installation, on a smaller scale, where individuals can see books wrapped in Indigenous materials. The names of lives lost, printed in gold letters, are placed on the spines of these books to individually respect and honour the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, men and two-spirit people (MMIWGM2S). Eventually, the 8,000 books from the micro galleries will be brought together into a permanent installation.
The stories of the people named on the books can be read on the Canadian Library Project website. The books without names represent those MMIWGM2S who have not yet been found.
The Canadian Library was inspired by British-Nigerian artist, Yinka Shonibar.
Learn more about The Canadian Library and micro gallery