University of British Columbia (UBC) X̱wi7x̱wa Library

University of British Columbia (UBC) X̱wi7x̱wa Library X̱wi7x̱wa Library is the only Indigenous branch of an academic library in Canada.

We have a unique classification system, subject headings, and one-of-a-kind collection that privilege Indigenous perspectives! X̱wi7x̱wa (pronounced whei-wha) is part of the continuing development of Indigenous education at the University of British Columbia. X̱wi7x̱wa means “echo” in the Squamish language and was presented to by the late Chief Simon Baker, Squamish Nation. The library’s history

began in the early 1970′s with the founding of the Indian Education Resource Centre. The collection later became the Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP) collection. In 2005, the X̱wi7x̱wa Library became a branch of the UBC Library which included core funding for collections and staffing. The Library continues to maintain and develop the Xwi7xwa (Indigenous) classification system and First Nations House of Learning (FNHL) Subject Headings. In 2005, the Library of Congress authorized the FNHL Subject Headings as an internationally recognized Indigenous Thesaurus. The collections focus on First Nations in British Columbia, including contextual materials on Indigenous issues of national and international interest to First Nations and Indigenous peoples. X̱wi7x̱wa collects materials written from First Nations perspectives, such as, materials produced by First Nations, First Nations organizations, tribal councils, schools, publishers, researchers, writers, and scholars.

04/23/2026
Are you in need of study space? We may be a small branch but we have a lot to offer. We are open Monday to Wednesday and...
04/21/2026

Are you in need of study space? We may be a small branch but we have a lot to offer. We are open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm and Thursday from 10am to 6pm.

Orange Shirt Day takes place annually on September 30, and is federally recognized as the National Day for Truth and Rec...
01/14/2026

Orange Shirt Day takes place annually on September 30, and is federally recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

For some Orange Shirt Day is every day, and the actions we take with the reflections we make on residential school history and experiences is something we should do more than just once a year 🧡

Wellness supports: Kuu-us 24hr crisis line: 1-800-588-8717 IRSHDC Resource List Indigenous Wellbeing at UBC Mental Health at UBC Orange Shirt Day is Every Day Orange Shirt Day is r

New term 2 hours! We are now open from 10AM to 6PM on Thursdays 🕰️
01/08/2026

New term 2 hours! We are now open from 10AM to 6PM on Thursdays 🕰️

12/25/2025

Happy holidays to the UBC community! ❄️ Wishing everyone a joyful season and an inspiring start to 2026 as we look ahead to new opportunities and possibilities. ✨

11/07/2025
Our Lahal set has just arrived at the branch! A guessing game or game of chance that involves hidding pieces from your o...
11/03/2025

Our Lahal set has just arrived at the branch! A guessing game or game of chance that involves hidding pieces from your opponents in your hands. This game is also known as Slahal, bone game, stick game, and more. Find these items today!

10/15/2025

Nonfiction. Fiction. Poetry. Youth. Short Stories. Memoirs. And More.

🧡 we are CLOSED on September 30 🧡Come visit us Monday: write your reflections, take a book out on loan, have a cup of te...
09/26/2025

🧡 we are CLOSED on September 30 🧡

Come visit us Monday: write your reflections, take a book out on loan, have a cup of tea with us 🫶🏽

Orange Shirt Day is on September 30, our branch is closed however we currently have a display for your learning! 🧡
09/24/2025

Orange Shirt Day is on September 30, our branch is closed however we currently have a display for your learning! 🧡

08/12/2025

Indigenous Programs and Services has launched the application for two programs: The Indigenous Graduate Pathways and Indigenous Research Mentorship Program!

The Indigenous Graduate Pathways Program (aka the “Pathways Program” or “IGP”) is an educational and peer-support program conducted over Winter Term 1 (September - December) that focuses on the steps to applying to Graduate Studies (Master’s Programs, PhD Programs). The program will involve information workshops, connection to faculty and existing Indigenous graduate students, individualized support, and cultural sharing. Essentially, this covers what’s needed to become a graduate student.

The Indigenous Research Mentorship Program (aka “IRM”) is designed to provide research-interested undergraduate students an opportunity to get hands-on research experience over Winter Term 2. Students will be paired with a faculty member based on the student’s area(s) of interest and partake in group workshops and professional development culminating in a final presentation on the student’s work and experience. Essentially, this provides a taste of what it’s like to be a researching graduate student.
In previous years, these two programs were promoted and applied for separately, but now they are being launched together with a single application. You can choose to apply for just one of the programs, or both programs at once.

Please find the link to apply in bio.
There will also be information sessions on August 14th and August 21st.

Address

1985 West Mall
Vancouver, BC
V6T1Z2

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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