Mary
John Collection
The Vanderhoof Public Library’s Mary John Collection is a literary legacy honouring a remarkable woman.
As a homemaker, educator, language teacher, social reformer and advocate for the Carrier people and their culture, Mary John believed that education was the key to rising above the barriers that face aboriginal people today. She worked tirelessly to promote understanding between aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities.
The 800 First Nations books in the collection reflect topics close to Mary’s heart: traditional native crafts, art, culture, language, spirituality, women’s and social issues, food gathering and preparation and living off the land. There is a special section on medicinal and edible plants dedicated to Saik’uz elder and healer Sophie Thomas.
The collection includes books for children and young adults and an in-depth section on the Carrier people provides rare and out-of-print material for students, researchers and teachers. The DVD and CD section offers the best in documentary, educational and recreational viewing as well as local and North American native music.
The Vanderhoof Public Library would like to thank the following donors for making the Mary John Collection a reality:
The
John Family
Nechako-Kitamaat
Development
Fund Society
Cheslatta
Carrier Nation
Saik’uz
First Nation
L&M
Lumber Ltd.
Nechako
Lumber Co. Ltd.
Knight
Creek Furniture Gallery
Alcan
Primary Metals
James
B. Hoare
Craig
and Ruth Hooper
George
LaBrash
