Public libraries are mandated to ensure universal and equitable access for all residents of Saskatchewan, including First Nation people living on-reserve. This includes the development and provision of collections, programs and services inclusive to First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.
Please use this libguide to assist you and your library with Indigenous library service development.
If you would like to share your Indigenous service initiatives or programs on this LibGuide, please contact the Aboriginal Library Services Coordinator at the Provincial Library and Literacy Office at (306) 787-4472
Did you know that 16.3% of Saskatchewan's population self-identified as Aboriginal? That's 175,015 Aboriginal people, the second highest proportion among provinces, following Manitoba.
Of the self-identified Aboriginal population:
· 114,570 self-identified as First Nation
· 57,880 self-identified as Métis
· 360 self-identified as Inuit
· 2,205 self-identified as multiple or other
The average age of self-identified Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan is 28.2 years. Non-Aboriginals in Saskatchewan average 40.6 years.
21.6%, or 37,870 total, of self-identified Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan have knowledge of at least one Aboriginal language.
*information from the 2016 Aboriginal Population Profile, 2016 Census, Statistics Canada
There are 72 First Nations and 11 library systems representing 304 library branches within Saskatchewan.
Regional and Northern Library Systems include:
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Lakeland Library Region (17)
Big Island Lake (Joseph Bighead) Cree Nation
Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation
Little Pine First Nation
Lucky Man First Nation
Poundmaker First Nation
Moosomin First Nation
Onion Lake First Nation
Sweetgrass First Nation
Thunderchild First Nation
Red Pheasant First Nation
Saulteaux First Nation
Waterhen First Nation
Mosquito First Nation
Grizzly Bear’s Head and Lean Man First Nation
Flying Dust First Nation
Island Lake First Nation
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Parkland Regional Library (13)
Cote First Nation
Daystar First Nation
Gordon’s First Nation
Okanese First Nation
Peepeekisis Cree Nation
The Key First Nation
Keeseekoose First Nation
Fishing Lake First Nation
Kawacatoose First Nation
Starblanket First Nation
Little Black Bear First Nation
Muskowekwan First Nation
Yellowquill First Nation
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| Southeast Regional Library (12)
Piapot First Nation
Muscowpetung First Nation
Pasqua First Nation
Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation
Carry The Kettle First Nation
Cowessess First Nation
Kahkewistahaw First Nation
Zagime (Sakimay) First Nation
Ochapowace First Nation
Ocean Man First Nation
Pheasant Rump Nakoda Nation
White Bear First Nation
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Wapiti Regional Library (15)
James Smith
Kinistin Saulteaux Nation
Wahpeton Dakota Nation
Sturgeon Lake First Nation
Shoal Lake Cree Nation
Red Earth First Nation
Big River First Nation
Mistawasis First Nation
Muskeg Lake First Nation
Muskoday First Nation
One Arrow First Nation
Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation
Ahtahkakoop First Nation
Witchekan Lake First Nation
Pelican Lake First Nation
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Pahkisimon Nuye?áh Library System (12)
Fond Du Lac First Nation
Black Lake First Nation
Clearwater River Dene Nation
Birch Narrows First Nation
Buffalo River Dene Nation
English River First Nation
Hatchet Lake First Nation
Canoe Lake Cree Nation
Lac La Ronge First Nation
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
Cumberland House Cree Nation
Montreal Lake First Nation
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Chinook Regional Library (2)
Neekaneet First Nation
Wood Mountain
Wheatland Regional Library (1)
Whitecap Dakota First Nation
Palliser Regional Library (0)
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Municipal Library Systems include:
- Regina Public Library (9 branches)
- Saskatoon Public Library (9 branches)
- Prince Albert Public Library Board (2 branches)
Of the 72 First Nations and 11 public library systems in Saskatchewan, six branches are defined as a public library, as established under The Public Libraries Act, 1996. All six branches are co-located in schools as a formal joint venture library, and are within the Pahkisimon Nuye?áh Library System (PNLS) and the Wapiti Regional Library System service areas.