Calgary Public Library Receives $300,000 Gift from TD Bank Group to Support Indigenous and Newcomer Residencies at Calgary Public Library
Calgary, AB — Calgary Public Library Foundation is proud to announce a generous $300,000 gift from TD Bank Group, a long-standing supporter of Calgary Public Library and a founding partner of the Add In Campaign for Central Library, which opened its doors in 2018. This new investment, funded through the TD Ready Commitment, will directly support the Library’s Indigenous and Newcomer Artist in Residence and Elder in Residence programs through 2028, continuing TD’s legacy of championing access, inclusion, and community connection.
The announcement took place in the TD Great Reading Room at Calgary’s Central Library, a space named in recognition of TD’s leadership contribution to the Library’s flagship location. Since first supporting the Library in 2012, TD has now committed over $2 million toward enhancing Calgary Public Library services and programs that reach Calgarians of all backgrounds.
“We are deeply grateful to TD for their continued investment in the people of Calgary,” said Tracy Johnson, CEO of Calgary Public Library Foundation. “Their support enables Calgary Public Library to offer meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and creativity, especially for voices that have historically been underrepresented.”
The Indigenous and Newcomer Artist in Residence programs provide paid opportunities for local creatives to engage the community through art, storytelling, and mentorship. Residents lead public programs, host workshops, meet with patrons one-on-one, and create new works that reflect the lived experiences of Indigenous and Newcomer communities. These residencies play a vital role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and amplifying diverse perspectives across the city.
TD’s generous investment will also support Calgary Public Library’s Elder-in-Residence Program. This program was created to support Library staff on their Truth and Reconciliation journeys. Since its inception in 2022, this program has provided staff with the opportunity to engage with a Knowledge Keeper and/or Elder from the Treaty 7 community. Topics explored have included workshops about Medicine Wheel teachings, the legacy of Residential Schools, Appreciation versus Appropriation, and the significance of smudging.
“Art and knowledge sharing have a way of giving us space, perspective, and new entry points to consider complex ideas and narratives,” says Sarah Meilleur, CEO of Calgary Public Library. “These Residencies allow the Library and community to connect with those who are practicing their craft, inspiring others, and creating spaces and experiences where we can all gather, connect, and learn. I’m grateful TD has recognized the importance of these programs and is supporting the Library to continue to provide a platform for these artists and Elders to make an impact on our community and for our community to be inspired by their work, ideas, and perspectives.”
TD’s renewed support ensures the Library can continue to offer these residencies at multiple locations, including Central Library and community libraries throughout Calgary. TD’s generosity is currently supporting Calgary Public Library’s Indigenous Artist in Residence, Morgan Black. Morgan is a St’át’imc and Secwépemc artist and curator. She spends her time connecting to diverse creative processes that deepen her relationship to her ancestral cultures, the land, and all relations. This work moves through the complexities of queerness, colonization, Indigenous resurgence, and truth-telling.
“We’re so proud to continue supporting Calgary Public Library and their inspiring work to bring our city closer together through learning, listening, and shining a spotlight on the diverse ties that connect us all – and make Calgary such an incredible place to live,” said Robert Ghazal, Senior Vice President and Alberta Region Head, TD Bank Group. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we’re investing in initiatives that work directly with socially isolated groups and demographics to help build meaningful relationships between participants and their communities.”
More information on the residency programs and TD’s generous support can be found at: https://libraryfoundation.ca/residencies/.
