Saskatoon library dedicates space for truth and reconciliation

Saskatoon is now home to what is believed to bethe first library space in the province permanently dedicated to reconciliation.

Today, Saskatoon's FrancesMorrisonCentral Library will launch the Read for Reconciliation area. The space will include a full set of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission reports, as well as numerous books about Canada's history of residential schools.

EugeneArcand,a member of theTruth and Reconciliation Commission's Indian Residential School Survivor Committee, thinks the area could beprecedent-setting.

I think Canada's come to realize this is the country's darkest secret.- EugeneArcand

"It feels great," Arcand told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. "It's an incredible gesture of reconciliation."

The idea for the space sprouted whenArcanddonated his set of commission reports to the libraryand suggested a cornerdedicated to reconciliation.

The CEO of Saskatoon Public Library, CarolCooley, said there was no shortage of material to fill the space.

Arcandhopes the area attracts many visitors.

"I think Canada's come to realize this is the country's darkest secret," saidArcand. "So, exposing this era in as positive a way as possibleto show that there are reasons for the social ills that affect my community, this process of public education for the promotion of understanding is absolutely necessary."

The reading area will be launched with a special ceremony and smudging later today.