2025 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Grow With Your Library

The Multitype Library Board is excited to support this pre-conference session Building Bridges: Neurodiversity in the Library Space.

Presented by Christine van der Merwe

Join us on May 7 at the University of Saskatchewan for an engaging and thought-provoking workshop that reimagines the library as an inclusive haven for neurodiverse patrons and staff.

The afternoon includes presentations, an opportunity to network and a tour of the Murray Library’s innovative low-sensory room. Let’s work together to build a library culture that values diversity and fosters belonging for all.

Registration for this event will be limited to 70 participants.

For more information or to register, please visit: https://www.saskla.ca/professional-development/conference/

Participating exhibitors are Lung Saskatchewan and CVS Midwest Tape.

Sponsored by Regina Public Library

Greetings and opening prayer by Elder Julie Pitzel
Greetings from the Government of Saskatchewan: Alison Hopkins, Executive Director, Provincial Library & Literacy Office, Ministry of Education
Greetings from the City of Saskatoon: Ward 6 Councillor Jasmin Parker
Keynote Speaker: Omayra Issa, award-winning anchor

Omayra Issa is an award-winning anchor, who has built a rich and diverse portfolio over the course of 15 years in broadcasting. She began her career at Radio-Canada creating compelling content on television, radio and digital platforms, and then for CBC News.

A former national reporter for CBC News, Omayra served as a correspondent on flagship show The National. She co-created, co-produced and led the Black on the Prairies series, which received international recognition, reached an audience of millions worldwide, and is integrated in museums and public libraries across the prairie provinces. A leading
expert in community powered journalism and inclusive journalism, Omayra’s work led to impactful changes in education policy and garnered several RTDNA Canada Awards, celebrating the best in Canadian journalism.

Omayra brought her strong vision to CPAC in 2024, as part of its on-air team connecting Canadians to their democracy. Her work guiding national conversations around inclusion and diversity in newsrooms has set her apart as an innovator and changemaker. She has been recognized with the Reelword Trailblazers Award for inspiring others by blazing a trail of excellence through her constant and committed efforts to improve and diversify the film and television industry. Fluent in five languages, Omayra has been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2024, one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch and been nominated for a YWCA Woman of Distinction.

Tour of the SPL Frances Morrison Central Library 
(Meet at the front door of TCU Place)

Sponsored by Library Bound Inc.

Ry Moran is Canada’s inaugural Associate University Librarian – Reconciliation at the University of Victoria. His role within UVic Libraries focuses on building and sustaining relationships to introduce Indigenous approaches and knowledge into the daily work of the libraries and more broadly across the campus community.

Ry’s life-long passion for the arts and music continues to be an important part of his life as he continues to write and produce original music. Ry is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Victoria and was awarded a Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General. On May 29, 2024, Ry received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of British Columbia. Ry is a proud member of the Red River Métis.

Ry came to this position from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation hosted by the University of Manitoba. Prior to the NCTR, he served with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. On the TRC’s behalf, he facilitated the gathering of nearly 7,000 video/audio-recorded statements of former residential school students and millions of pages of
archival records.

Sponsored by Saskatoon Public Library