Kayla Lar-son, Head, Xwi7xwa Library
UBC Library recently announced Kayla Lar-Son, Métis, as Head of Xwi7xwa Library. She takes the helm of the branch library after serving as Acting Head for the past two years. The appointment is a five-year term and is subject to renewal.
“Kayla has provided steady, thoughtful leadership and support for the branch throughout this time,” Julie Mitchell, Associate University Librarian, said.
“She navigated complex operational and community contexts with care and sound judgment, strengthened relationships with campus and community partners, and played a key role in advancing the stewardship of and access to Xwi7xwa Library’s unique collections and archives. Her work has furthered Indigenous knowledge organization and ethical stewardship, and she has fostered a collaborative, inclusive, and welcoming workplace grounded in trust, respect, and shared purpose.
“I’m very much looking forward to continuing to work with Kayla in this role and to supporting the ongoing contributions of Xwi7xwa Library under her leadership,” Mitchell said.
Xwi7xwa Library is situated adjacent to the First Nations Longhouse. Both facilities are managed by the First Nations House of Learning, which also contributes to the library’s programming.
“While I have only been Academic Director for a short time, I have been grateful for the knowledge and cultural care Kayla brings to the Headship at Xwi7xwa and to our team at FNHL. The library is an important partner and under her skilled leadership I know we will continue to bring the best to our students, faculty, staff and community members. I congratulate her on this exciting news,” Dr. Dory Nason, Academic Director pro tem, First Nations House of Learning, said.
“It’s always a constructive development whenever an Indigenous person takes up a leadership role on campus. It’s not something anyone can take for granted. Kayla’s appointment is well earned and I look forward to Xwi7xwa continuing to serve students, emerging and established scholars, and the community more broadly under her capable guidance,” Dr. Cliff Atleo Jr., Senior Advisor & Associate Vice President, Indigenous Affairs, said.
Lar-son, originally from Treaty 6 territory, specifically Amiskwaciy (Edmonton), is a proud member of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (Métis Nation of Alberta). Her kin relations are Howse, Favel, Grant, and Spence. She has a Bachelor’s of Native Studies (2016) and a Masters of Library and Information Sciences (2018) from the University of Alberta. Prior to becoming Head of Xwi7xwa Library, she served as the Indigenous Programs and Services Librarian for UBC and the Indigitization program manager.
“I first heard about Xwi7xwa Library at the University of Alberta. Then, I could only imagine what it would be like to work in an academic library that was centered on uplifting Indigenous voices, communities, and is grounded in protocol and self-determination. Now, I am honoured to be appointed as Head of Xwi7xwa Library. It’s amazing to think that what I had read about is now my daily reality. I will forever be thankful for this opportunity,” Lar-son said.
Learn more about Xwi7xwa Library.
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Kevin Ward is the First Nations House of Learning’s Research and Communications Officer.