New Ottawa central library, Archives Canada joint facility named ‘Ādisōke’

Ottawa's new public library and Archives Canada joint facility is being named Ādisōke, which is an Anishinabemowin word that refers to the telling of stories.

On behalf of the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation, the City of Ottawa says Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation gave the name Ādisōke for the facility.  

“Pimishka means ‘to travel by canoe’ in the Anishinabemowin (Algonquin language).  Since time immemorial, the Anishinābe Algonquin people have travelled by canoe and carried out storytelling.  Ādisōke refers to relating stories –  this is part of the Anishinābe way of life,” said Anita Tenasco, director of education with Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg.

The site for the joint facility is located on the unceded, traditional territory of the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation, who have lived in the area since time immemorial. The city says Elders and members of the host nation have been important partners in influencing the design of the facility and the selection of the name Ādisōke. 

The city believes Ādisōke is a meaningful and fitting name for the joint facility, as storytelling represents the coming together of knowledge, history, discovery, culture, creativity, collaboration, and connections. The city says Ādisōke also evokes what is at the heart of the partner institutions: Library and Archives Canada as a keeper of Canadian and Indigenous stories, and Ottawa Public Library’s use of stories to build community and transform lives by inspiring learning, sparking curiosity, and connecting people.

“Ādisōke speaks to telling stories, tales and fables. Let’s open our ears, our minds and hearts to all stories respectfully now and in the future,”said Della Meness, manager of education with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

As collaboration with the host nation continues, the city adds that other rooms in Ādisōke will be given Anishinābe Algonquin names, such as the Children’s Discovery Centre, the Outdoor Gathering Circle, and a Wigwam-inspired Circular Lodge, as well as its adjacent exterior terrace. The project team is expected to continue to engage with the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation and other First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and organizations to inform the programs and services that will be offered in Ādisōke.

Ādisōke is set to open its doors in late 2024, with an official opening in 2025.

To learn more about the name story of Ādisōke, visit adisoke.ca.