Lamsoq Polam, which means Room of Salmon in the Wolastoqey language, is the name given to this space on the first floor of the Harriet Irving Library by our former UNB Elder-in-residence Opolahsomuwehs (Imelda Perley), who explained that the salmon, as a symbol of longing for home, is also a symbol for residential school survivors.
Mawi'Art: Wabanaki Artist Collective, in partnership, with UNB Libraries, have come together to celebrate and showcase indigenous art of the Atlantic Region. Indigenous artists were invited to create one of a kind pieces that reflect on their Wolastoqey and Mi'kmaq heritage in a traditional and/or contemporary way. This permanent installation represent a much larger knowledge of indigenous customs, values, and beliefs that are important to understand and share with non-indigenous people.
The mural running along top of the four walls represents the fours seasons and was created by Katie Augustine, an indigenous visual artists from Neqtokuk First Nation.
Indigenous Book Collection
In Lamsoq Polam you will find a growing collection of First Nations books with special emphasis on children's and young adult literature, as well as various titles to do with land claims, culture, and Truth and Reconciliation. These books are available to be read onsite and borrowed, and are identified in UNB WorldCat by the location "HIL-ROOM."
