Library explores Indigenous teachings, cultural dialogue and more for Month of Culture

September 10, 2026 · 0 Comments

September is Aurora’s Month of Culture, and the Aurora Public Library has brought extensive programming into the mix, focusing on Indigenous teachings, cultural dialogue, and much more.

The Aurora Public Library (APL) has joined forces with the Town, Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora Town Square, and more to make September a month to remember.

“Strong communities are built when people have opportunities to learn about one another and connect,” says APL CEO Jodi Marr. “That is how we build our relationships and our understanding of everyone, our empathy towards others, and being in-person…you can create more empathy and understanding, so I’m so happy Libraries can create these opportunities through the programming that we do.

“Our goal isn’t to define culture in the community, it is to help create space for it, whether it is through Indigenous learning, the arts, or storytelling, we’re helping residents connect and discover who their neighbours are, what their perspectives might be, and rebuild that beautiful fabric of a vibrant community that Aurora is.”

Culture is about connection, she says, and one of the primary reasons they wanted to go all in on Aurora’s Month of Culture is to make culture accessible to everyone.

“Libraries are one of the few spaces where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background, income, etc., and our approach is to make cultural experiences accessible and inclusive,” she says. “We remove barriers to participation and provide opportunities for residents to engage in meaningful ways. Culture should be something everyone can experience.”

APL’s formal Month of Culture programming begins this Wednesday, September 9, with Echoes of Truth: Hands-On Beading & Indigenous Teachings. Set to run from 6.30 – 8 p.m., the session will be guided by Carol and Janis, leading participants through Indigenous craft traditions through the creation of medicine bags and beading.

Indigenous programming continues on September 28 when the APL hosts author Monique Gray Smith, in partnership with Durham and York Region Libraries, 7 – 8 p.m.

The bestselling author “will discuss her personal journey of Truth & Reconciliation and read from her various books [exploring] Canada’s historical treatment of Indigenous people and how it impacts them today.”

Two film screenings, hosted in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), will further these conversations as well.

The film Nechako: It Will Be A Big River Again will screen at APL on Wednesday, September 30, from 7 – 8.30 p.m.

It centres on “after seven decades of resistance, two Indigenous Nations reach a turning point in their historic legal fight to reclaim the Nechako River and the way of life it once sustained.”

A virtual film screening – this time featuring Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man – will be available all day on September 30 as well.

“Reconciliation requires ongoing learning and engagement,” says Marr. “As a Library, we have a responsibility to provide those opportunities for community members to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives, and contemporary experiences. [These programs] are opportunities to help create those conversations with the community. It is our responsibility as people who work in information – that’s information that’s been lost or ignored throughout the history of Canada. It’s been degraded. Now, as part of our way to honour Truth & Reconciliation, we understand our place of privilege and we are working hard to ensure that those stories are told and that we’re part of the storytelling.”

While Canada’s First Peoples are in sharp focus during Aurora’s Month of Culture, it’s an occasion to celebrate the myriad cultures that now call the Town home as well.

The Tabriz Ensemble, representing Azerbaijani Music and Dance, for instance, will perform at APL on September 12 from 2 – 3 p.m., while APL will mark Welcoming Week with a special screening of Sound & Pressure: Reggae in a Foreign Land on September 14 from 6 – 8 p.m.

The film covers the “inspiring story of how Jamaica’s legendary reggae artists helped shape Toronto’s vibrant music scene and celebrate the power of culture, community and new beginnings.”

The Harvest Moon Mid-Autumn Festival will be celebrated at APL on September 26 from 2 – 4 p.m., while Arab Voices in Canada will come together for an afternoon of poetry and music on September 27 from 2 – 4 p.m.

“We see our role as a connector that helps these community groups and bring their expertise and stories to that wider audience,” says Marr. “The cultural programming that we offer comes from the people and organizations we work with across the community. That’s one of the most powerful things that we can do is bring these groups and showcase them and bring people together so they can have these shared experiences and know that people in their community and these organizations are available for them to connect with.”

The busiest weekend of Aurora’s Month of Culture is set to be September 19 and 20 when the Town of Aurora hosts its Multicultural Festival at Town Park and Town Square on the 19th, followed by Doors Open Aurora throughout the community as a whole on September 20.

Part of the Library’s contribution to Doors Open is From Pages to Performance: Celebrating Culture Through Music, Dance, and Spoken Word on September 20 from 2 – 4 p.m.

“Join us on September 20 for an inspiring afternoon where stories leap off the page through music, song, spoken word, and contemporary dance, showcasing the power of literature, storytelling, and voices,” say organizers. “This multidisciplinary performance brings together diverse artistic traditions, weaving rhythm, movement, and storytelling into a dynamic shared experience that highlights culture, creativity, and connection.

“Discover how words on a page become living performances that inspire, engage, and bring people together. Everyone is welcome to attend this vibrant, community event as part of a month-long celebration of culture and the arts!”

For a full roster of Month and Culture events, visit auroratownsquare.ca/monthofculture.

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter