A new Indigenous Gathering Zone has been created at the Crossings Branch of the Lethbridge Public Library. (Photo: Lethbridge Public Library)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Library launches Indigenous Gathering Zone

Nov 22, 2025 | 5:00 AM

The City of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Public Library have announced the launch and naming of the new Indigenous Gathering Zone at the Crossings Branch.

It is known as Iitai tsi yoi sii, meaning A Place for Vision Quest, given by Blackfoot Elder Charlie Fox.

It was developed in honour of Blackfoot culture, and aims to provide a welcoming space for Indigenous-led programming, community connection, and cultural learning.

“We are pleased to introduce Iitai tsi yoi sii to our community,” says Sarah Head, Manager of Branch Services at Lethbridge Public Library. “This space reflects our work to centre Indigenous knowledge in meaningful and visible ways, and we look forward to supporting the programs and relationships that grow from it.”

Echo Nowak, Indigenous Relations Specialist with the City of Lethbridge, adds that the space affirms the city’s commitment to ensuring Indigenous ways of knowing are at the heart of their libraries.

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“It reflects our responsibility to create spaces where Indigenous voices and traditions guide how we learn, share and grow as a community,” says Nowak.