The lower level of the Waverley library is now more welcoming to Indigenous residents.
Anishinabek Employment and Training Services has been in their new space for just over a year, according to Executive Director John DeGiacomo.
“We wanted to Indigenize the space, so the decolonization of the space happened. We have the four directions on the ceiling; we have the Seven Sacred Teachings on the wall, really it allows for an individual coming in to feel safe and to feel welcome.”
Renovations are still underway in their new space and will include five gender-neutral washrooms.
DeGiacomo tells us the new restrooms will offer more space and will be accessible to people in wheelchairs.
Officials expect the new washrooms to be available in several weeks.
Since the AETS moved into the lower level of the library, officials say they’ve seen an increased use of the space and more books being checked out.
