Our school library learning commons now includes a growing Indigenous Voices collection of books.  These books are written by Indigenous authors or written in partnership with Indigenous knowledge keepers and are featured on bookcases in the heart of  the library learning commons. All books in the collection are identified in our school library learning commons catalogue using Call Numbers that begin with “IED” and the sublocation is “Indigenous Voices”.

Books in the Indigenous Voices Collection are organized using the Brian Deer Classification System.  This system was created by indigenous librarian Brian Deer of Kahnawá:ke in partnership with the National Indian Brotherhood and Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). Unlike the Dewey Decimal System, which is influenced by Western modes of thinking, the Brian Deer Classification System reflects Indigenous ways of knowing. Universities, colleges, schools and other organizations adapt the system based on local needs.

Click here for a guide developed by Kwantlen Polytechnic University Library which has been used as the basis for the classification system we use at Esquimalt High School.  These slides introduce the system and signs next to the Indigenous Voices Collection in the library provide more information.

As of January 2025 this list of subjects outlines the full Brian Deer Classification System in use at Esquimalt High School.