This month marks the 20th anniversary of Indigenous Storytelling Month, where Indigenous culture and knowledge are told through traditional stories.
Since 2004, the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples Inc. (LSSAP) and the people of Saskatchewan recognize and celebrate Indigenous Storytelling Month. This annual event has given the chance to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Through the month of February, storytelling events are held by libraries and community organizations throughout Saskatchewan to showcase the lives, histories, practices and cultures of Indigenous Peoples and performers.
What is Storytelling?
Indigenous cultures share stories in many ways – orally, in song, in drumming, with pictographs and through medicine wheels and tipi rings. Traditionally, stories are told by elders – known as Knowledge Keepers or Historians in some nations – as well as community members who have earned the title of Storyteller.
Traditionally, storytelling was an important source of entertainment and education during the long nights of the winter months. Elders pass down knowledge, traditions, and morals of their people to the next generation. Stories have teachings about how the world began, our world around us and our relationships with one another and the plant and animal worlds.
Storytelling serves to connect individuals and communities to their place and time as well as each other. Stories are also used to teach history, cultural etiquette, and spiritual beliefs. At the heart of every story is a lesson in relationships; whether relationships are self, others, or environment. One of the most powerful things about stories is their ability to be created, revised, retold, forgotten, and revived. Stories cross the boundaries of time and place; allowing them to other perspectives that are both timely and timeless. Stories offer children experiences, choices, and outcomes to safely reflect on and learn from. Stories let us see through other’s eyes and learn from their experiences.
Storytelling Events this Month
Whether you're interested in hearing stories from Knowledge Keepers, Elders or Storytellers, watching a film, listening to lively fiddle music, participating in interactive workshops or learning how to make moccasins, there is sure to be an event that you will enjoy and find interesting!
Many of these events are listed on the LSSAP website.
There are other events occuring throughout the province including:
Frost - Indigenous Storytelling with Regina Public Library
February 11, 3-4 pm
Victoria Park, Regina
View the Frost schedule
Office of the Treaty Commissioner - Various Storytelling Month Events
Throughout February
Some in-person and some virtually
View the OTC event schedule
Sâkitawâhk - Where The Rivers Meet / Movement, Sound & Storytelling Night
February 17, 7 pm
Artesian, 2627 13th Avenue, Regina
View event details
sākihitowin - Stories From a Place of Love
February 14-16
Atlas Hotel, 4177 Albert Street, Regina
View event details
Indigenous-themed podcasts offer richness and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures
CBC Listen offers a wide variety of Indigenous-themed podcasts to enlighten you. You can learn more, appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Discover, share and play the most popular Indigenous-themed podcasts on CBC
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