Indigenous Reading Circle offers Indigenous students relaxed atmosphere to discuss what they’re reading
Register now for sharing circle
The Indigenous Reading Circle, offered by the UM Libraries and led by Indigenous Librarian Intern Claire Settee, is an opportunity for Indigenous students to bring their questions, thoughts, and feelings about their personal and academic readings to discuss with other Indigenous students in a small group setting.
The sharing circle will take place twice in Winter Term: Wednesday, January 22 and Thursday, February 13 at 3:00 p.m., both in Gaa-maamawabing – Gathering Place (Rm 322) in the Education Building. Snacks and drinks will also be provided.
Claire Settee has been an intern at UM Libraries since 2023 while she works on a Master of Library and Information Studies. She is Anishinaabe, Cree and Scottish, with family ties to Fisher River and Hollow Water, and has lived in Winnipeg for most of her life. With the Indigenous Reading Circle, she wants to create a dedicated time and space for Indigenous students to talk about what they are reading with each other.
“Sometimes in classes, everyone is trying to discuss at once and then you’ll have an idea, but the discussion goes a different way, and you don’t get the chance to say your thoughts. But you still want to talk through your ideas with someone,” Settee says. She hopes the Indigenous Reading Circle can be that outlet. “I want people to know that they have something to say, and they should practice speaking up and sharing their ideas and questions.”
The Indigenous Reading Circle will be kept small for a more intimate and less intimidating discussion experience, and participating students can bring anything they are reading, from a novel they’re enjoying to something they’re reading in class that they find confusing. Settee will facilitate the hour-and-half-long discussions and use her expertise to provide information on relevant library and campus services and resources but is also open to seeing how the group evolves. She hopes participants will meet other Indigenous students, discover new resources, and get excited about reading.
Register for the Indigenous Reading Circle.
For any questions about the event, contact Claire Settee.