Name: Re-Mapping Welcome: Implementing the Brian Deer Classification System to Transform Library Spaces
Start: 2026-05-01T11:00:00-0600
End: 2026-05-01T11:50:00-0600

Welcome to the 2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference! We are thrilled to have you joining us for this incredible professional development and networking opportunity.

Registration Desk
Make sure you check in to the conference at our registration desk before heading off to any meals or sessions! Here you can pick up your name tag and ask any questions you might have. The registration desk will be open from 6:45 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 30, and from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, May 1.

Using the Sched App
Use this app to build your personalized conference schedule! You will find some things have already been added to your schedule (such as meals and key speakers), but everything else is up to you.

We also encourage you to turn on the "Public Profile & Schedule" option under the "My Account" tab. This will add you to the public attendee list, helping you to connect with other delegates and helping them connect with you. This is optional.

Conference Sponsors
SLA gratefully acknowledges our many event sponsors! Without their generous support, this conference would not be possible! We gratefully acknowledge all sponsors in the "Sponsors" Tab.

Exhibitors
Make sure to visit the Exhibitor Hall located in the Gallery B! The Exhibitor Hall will be open on Thursday, April 30, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the Exhibitor Social taking place from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Join us at the Social to visit with the exhibitors while enjoying appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks, and the chance to win great prizes!!

Re-Mapping Welcome: Implementing the Brian Deer Classification System to Transform Library Spaces

Friday May 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST

Prince Albert Room

This presentation will share how our library is adopting and adapting the Brian Deer Classification system as a central strategy for creating a more welcoming and culturally responsive environment. Traditional classification systems often reinforce colonial worldviews, obscuring Indigenous knowledge and placing it at the margins. By contrast, the Brian Deer system, developed by the late Kahnawake librarian Brian Deer, organizes materials according to Indigenous perspectives, cultural relationships, and community priorities.

Our session will highlight the motivations behind our transition, including feedback from local First Nations Elders and the goal of making our collections easier to navigate and more reflective of the communities we serve. We will describe the development process of our Brian Deer variation, the consultation process and a progress report as to where we are in the implementation phase.

Speakers

Kathy Gaynor

Librarian, Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC)

Kathy Gaynor is a first-generation immigrant who came to Canada when she was 12. For the last 30 years, Kathy has worked in post-secondary and public libraries and is now working for the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre. She has a holistic view of library work having served as a library p... Read More →

Darlene Brander

President, Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC)

Darlene Brander is the President of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC), an organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting the languages and cultures of the eight First Nations language groups of Saskatchewan: Plains Cree, Swampy Cree, Woodland Cree, Dene, Saulteaux... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST
Prince Albert Room

50-Minute Sessions

2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Libraries Open Doors

Kathy Gaynor

Darlene Brander

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2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Libraries Open Doors

Kathy Gaynor

Darlene Brander

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