We, the undersigned, are Six Nations community members who deeply value the vital services and benefits Six Nations Public Library provides our community, especially for our children and youth.

Public libraries are crucial because they offer safe, welcoming places to learn, read, study, and connect.  They provide free access to books, computers, internet and programs that build literacy and confidence.  For many children & young people in our community, the library is a place outside of their homes where they can belong without costs or conditions.  Our youth deserve a fully functioning library that meets their needs.

We submit this petition with the understanding that our community is facing many pressing issues - housing, health, food security, youth well-being and more.  However, we call on the Federal Band Administration to prioritize the repairs and reopening of our library because it is not separate from these challenges but a critical component of the solution to them.  Reopening the library is an investment in addressing the issues we face.  

For the benefit of our children and youth, we demand the following:

• Support the library financially to re-open as soon as possible in another location in Ohsweken, while the current building is being repaired and the new building built.
• Immediately begin partnering with Six Nations Public Library Board, CEO & staff to open this temporary site so that services can continue during repairs.
• Commit to a timeline and a funding plan for the repairs and renovations needed to reopen the library and to build the new library AND publish this timeline no later than November 15, 2026.
• The current library building and property be legally turned over to the library board so they can ensure its condition is maintained and that the building and lands will continue to be cared for and used by the library for the benefit of the community.
• Establish an annual investment to sustain and grow the library on top of the current Memorandum of Understanding.
• Officially recognize the library as a critical community service and a core part of responses to other community issues.
• Direct all departments to support and collaborate with the library.