Book Label will Bring Connection
Book Label Artwork
“It is a great way to get your work out there and let artists use their voice.” - Emma Doreen, a Mohawk College student.
The Mohawk College library is home to many resources by Indigenous authors and on subjects focused on Indigenous communities, art, histories, and contemporary realities. As a quick way to visually identify these titles, the library is utilizing a common practice of affixing a label to the spine of a book.
The library contacted the Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning (CIRKL) and Indigenous Student Services (ISS) about a new initiative to develop an Indigenous Book Label for collecting Indigenous resources in the Mohawk College Library.
“This initiative helps to bring awareness to resources and Indigenous knowledge available in the library and to highlight Indigenous artwork, specifically by an Indigenous learner at the College.”, said Amanda White, Acting Director of the Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge and Learning.
Emma Doreen was one of the students. Her Indigenous student advisor let her know about the opportunity as it aligned well with her desire to illustrate art for books.
“I started looking at book labels and Indigenous art and imagery to develop ideas. I’m very drawn to floral imagery in Indigenous artwork, which inspired me to include it. As a Mohawk and Ojibwe person, strawberries and the medicine wheel keep me connected to my culture. My book label shows a medicine wheel with strawberry plants and flowers framing it. I wanted to have a recognizable Indigenous symbol for it to be easy for people to identify a book to be Indigenous”, said Emma Doreen.
Initiatives like this are essential to bring awareness to Indigenous knowledge and support a better learning environment. Amanda recognized the opportunity for students.
“Indigenous learners can get more experience in their fields of study, express their passion for their work, community, identity, and creativity, and showcase this across the College. It allows for cross-collaboration and relationship-building across different areas of the College in a good way.
The Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning (CIRKL) and Indigenous Student Services (ISS) continue to support learners, education, and initiatives within their areas and across the College towards truth and reconciliation. We look forward to moving forward more projects and ideas to support Indigenous learners and the broader community through Indigenous ways of knowing and being and meaningful relationship building.”
Initiatives like this one give students’ experiences that complement their college journey. Emma was humbled by being chosen.
“I am very passionate about art and reading, and this was the perfect combination, which was exciting. I need to work with my Indigenous community, and it’s something I always want to do more of. I greatly appreciate that the Indigenous community at Mohawk College is so supportive and involved. Schools need to have initiatives like these. As a student, they help connect with other artists, community members, and school staff. Indigenous initiatives like this allow students to become more connected with their school and Indigenous community and let artists use their voices. When you are in college, there are so many opportunities to get involved in things you might not be able to do afterward. Be brave and put yourself out there because it’ll be worth it.”
Emma’s design can now be found on books in the library; take the time to look and pick up a great read while you are there.