"New Credit Library"

Located in the chambers of the 108-year-old Council House, the New Credit Library will officially open at 11 a.m. on the second day of the powwow.

There will be free refreshments and a look at the 2,716 books which the Ministry of Citizenship and culture's Library and Information Services Branch has recognized as a Public Library.

"The library will promote cultural awareness and provide educational services for the children," said Lana Froman, Library Administrator.

"We need a native Ojibway section because there's very little Ojibway material in the area."

An immediate cultural base includes the New Credit Ojibway Language Program which has developed tapes and literature. There will be eight volunteers trained in library services.

"It's been a long time coming," said Carolyn King, library board chairperson.

"The library is a nice place where people and children can feel relaxed and have their own place to go for information about Mississauga and native history."

In 1983 the board received a library grant from Department of Indian Affairs. Four years later, during an assessment of Ontario, library consultant Roberta Miskokowmon visited New Credit. This resulted in a formal application to the ministry in 1988.

A second application for public designation became necessary in 1989 and was successful. In December, a small grant was received to provide library services.

The powwow is held behind New Credit Ballpark in a grove called Wandering Among the Trees.