The International Indigenous Library Forum Fund
Background
Due to the overwhelming success of the 2025 International Indigenous Library Forum, profits were available to invest in Indigenous professional development. At that time the Forum planners, with support of the OLA Board, developed a fund where qualifying Indigenous Peoples of Canada who work as library professionals could apply for funds to attend the OLA Super Conference and IILF events.
Description
The purpose of the International Indigenous Library Forum Fund (IILFF) is for Indigenous library professionals to support other Indigenous library professionals in attending premiere library events and training. The fund is a declining balance fund and will sunset when the funds have been fully utilized. Recipients of IILFF will receive a cash bursary up to a maximum of $5,000.00 CAD.
Criteria/Eligibility
Applicants must be Indigenous Peoples working and living in Canada, who work as library professionals. The applicant must be an OLA member in good standing. Funds may be used for registration at IILF or OLA Super Conference, and/or may include hotels and travel associated with this registration.
Application Procedure
The application form must include the following information:
- Individual name and contact.
- Library organization where the applicant is employed.
- Event applying for, including date of event and, if relevant, travel dates.
- Requested itemized costs (estimates).
- Brief description of impact of attendance and how it will benefit the library professional, and if relevant, the library organization.
- Evidence of Indigenous identity.
- Nominations will be accepted for no less than 1 month and close in time for the successful candidate(s) to register prior to any early bird registration closures. These dates will be announced annually based on the availability of programs and Funds.
Selection Process
- Eligible nominations will be assessed according to the criteria.
- A Selection Committee will be established from the IILF Planning Committee members who will review, assess and select successful applicants based on need and impact of attendance.
