The library began operations in the fall of 1973. It houses one of the most comprehensive collections on the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The library serves as a central source of information for the First Nations of Canada. It also provides non-First Nations people with pertinent information that promotes cross-cultural understanding, and fosters awareness about the uniqueness of First Nations.

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The library lends assistance and support to First Nations schools. The library staff responds to requests for information on library procedure and software training via telephone, fax, email and face-to-face visits. Services such as circulation, cataloging, processing, book repair and shelving constitute the bulk of the activity in the library.

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The SICC Library is a member of the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples Committee (LSSAP). This committee was created for information sharing on issues relating to library services for Aboriginal peoples in Saskatchewan. LLSAP meets on a quarterly basis.

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The Library is also a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee formed by the Saskatoon Public Library. The objective of this committee is to serve as a consultative body to the Saskatoon Public Library on improving services to the Aboriginal people of Saskatoon. This committee was successful in securing two high profile positions in the Saskatoon Public Library System for Aboriginal individuals.

 

Strategic Objectives

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• Increase the level of service delivery;

• Enhance level of support to other departments; and,

• Meet the informational needs of First Nations in Saskatchewan through Library services.

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Operational Objectives and Activities

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• Library administration;

• User programs and services;

• Oral history archives;

• Language curriculum center;

• Professional development; and,

• Partnership initiatives.