Zé Library is a Nanaimo-based publishing company committed to amplifying the voices of Indigenous and local authors. With a focus on preserving and promoting diverse cultural narratives and the love of reading, the company provides a platform for authentic storytelling that reflects the richness of our world through the words and illustrations of our local communities. Zé Publishing aims to serve readers of all ages who are passionate about unique stories and local literature, fostering cultural integrity and community engagement through its work.
Founders
Randy Fred
Co-founder
Wickee Cussee (Randy Fred) is a Tseshaht Elder who has lived in Nanaimo most of his life. He began his career in accounting but due to vision loss had to change his path. He chose multi-media. He started this journey of story sharing in radio broadcasting. He founded Theytus Books Ltd., Canada’s first aboriginal-owned and operated commercial book publishing company. It is still actively publishing in Penticton. He also founded Tillacum Library, an imprint of Arsenal Pulp Press, in Vancouver. He published two newspapers, a magazine, produced videos and still writes mainly for Geist Magazine. He is producing “Unbroken Bonds”, a video documenting the Alberni Indian Residential School court cases that started in 1995 and ended in 2004. Curriculum is being developed for this video and an archival website is in the works. He is the Nuu-chah-nulth Elder-in-Residence at the Nanaimo campus of Vancouver Island University. He is President of One in Spirit Healing Arts Society.
Jansait Qughondouqa
Co-founder
Jansait Qughondouqa brings a wealth of international experience in media and technology to Zé Library. A passionate storyteller and newcomer to Canada, she has worked closely with Indigenous communities on Vancouver Island, including co-publishing Snuneymuxw: A Welcome to Newcomers alongside knowledge keeper William White, Randy Fred, and the Multicultural Society of Nanaimo. Throughout her career, Jansait has collaborated with people from diverse backgrounds to advocate for equity and amplify the voices of Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups, ensuring that stories and perspectives often underrepresented in mainstream media are heard and celebrated.
Current Projects
Zé Library is currently working on two books: one memoir and one graphic novel. We are currently exploring other opportunities with local youth and authors.
Previous Publications
These are some of previous publications by Randy Fred’s publishing house.
