Camille Callison appointed University Librarian at UFV

Camille Callison has been appointed as University Librarian at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). In this role, Callison will be head of UFV’s multi-campus libraries. Camille comes to UFV from the University of Manitoba, where she is currently the Indigenous Strategies Librarian. She will be starting her new role at UFV on July 1, 2021.

Callison brings to this position substantial leadership experience and an inclusive, forward-thinking concept of libraries as the heart of an active campus, acting as a partner in the integrated fabric of diverse faculties and communities.

“My work is based on the principles of respect, relationship, and the radical inclusion of all peoples as this applies not only to Indigenization work but also diversity, equity, and inclusion of all peoples,” she says. “I believe that it is important to create a safe and inclusive place for students, faculty, and the wider community to learn and facilitate the sharing of knowledge with future generations, which I am honoured to nurture at UFV.”

Callison is a member of the Tsesk’iya clan of the Tāłtān First Nation. She is excited to be returning home to British Columbia after nearly a decade away.

In 2012, she joined the University of Manitoba as the first Indigenous Services Librarian and was involved in engaging and supporting the Indigenous students, faculty, and community, founding the Mazinbiige Indigenous Graphic Novel Collection and serving as a member of the Indigenous Advisory Circle (2015-2017) and a member of the UM’s Bid (2012) and Implementation (2013- 2015) Committees, which were formed to bring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission archives to the University of Manitoba to form the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. During her tenure at the University of Manitoba (UM), she also served as the Learning and Organizational Development Librarian (2018-2019), developed and piloted the UM Libraries introduction to Indigenous Cultural Competency Training (ICCT), then as Indigenous Strategies Librarian (2019-2021), where she focused on strategic planning and coordination and co-facilitation of the ICCT program for all librarians, archivists, and library staff.

While completing her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at the University of BC (UBC), Callison met and worked for Dr. Gene Joseph, a Wet’suwet’en/Nadleh’dena librarian then founding Librarian at Xwi7xwa Library. This was a turning point in her career, as Dr. Joseph became her mentor and encouraged her to pursue a career in library, information, and archival studies. After working in Indigenous communities in education, employment, and documenting traditional knowledge, she returned to UBC to complete a Master of Library and Information Studies (First Nations Concentration). Callison is currently pursuing a PhD in Anthropology at the University of Manitoba that focuses on Indigenous Knowledge and how cultural memory institutions contribute to its resurgence and revitalization.

In addition to her experience at post-secondary libraries, Callison currently serves as Chair of the International Federation of Library Association’s Indigenous Matters Section, Secretary of IEEE P2890 Recommended Practice for Provenance of Indigenous Peoples’ Data, and founding co-Chair of the University of Manitoba Anthropology Department Repatriation Committee. She is also a member of the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee, OCLC Reimagine Descriptive Workflows Advisory Group, and Canada’s Steering Committee on Archives – Truth & Reconciliation Commission Taskforce. Her past service includes terms as Chair of the Indigenous Matters and the Truth & Reconciliation Committees and founding board member of the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA-FCAB), Vice-Chair of Memory of the World Canadian Commission to UNESCO (CCUNESCO), President of Manitoba Library Association, and member of the Indigenous Advisory Group to the National Film Board. She was recently elected as one of eight Professional Division Committee Chairs of the International Federation of Library Associations.

New University Librarian Camille Callison is welcomed to UFV by retiring University Librarian Kim Isaac.

“Camille’s appointment comes after a careful, comprehensive national search, and we would like to thank the members of the search committee, for the long hours of hard work that has culminated in the selection of an extraordinary individual with the complement of skills, experience, knowledge, and values that we sought. In addition, we want to thank the members of the Library community who have provided advice and insights along the way,” notes Provost James Mandigo. “I am very happy to welcome Camille, and am excited about the many strengths she brings to the position. We in senior administration look forward to working with her to build on the excellent legacy of our library. I also want to thank our current University Librarian, Kim Isaac, who is retiring after 33 years of service to UFV, including 21 years in the UFV’s University Librarian role. Kim has shepherded the Library through challenging times and we are grateful to her leadership.”