Our school library learning commons includes a growing collection of books by Indigenous authors or written in partnership with Indigenous knowledge keepers.  These books are featured 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 a modified 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.

You can view a guide to our Indigenous Voices collection here. 

The classification system we use at Esquimalt High School was based on this guide developed by Kwantlen Polytechnic University Library.\

This list of subjects outlines the full Brian Deer Classification System in use at Esquimalt High School.

New books available now!

Check out the new Indigenous books recently added to our collection including those featured below.