Saskatchewan Celebrates Aboriginal Storytelling Month
February is Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month and the provincial government is pleased to participate in this major cultural initiative.
Events will take place throughout the province, showcasing the lives, histories, practices and cultures of Aboriginal people and performers. The main presenter for the month’s celebrations is the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples committee.
“Storytelling is at the heart of First Nations and Métis experiences,” Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Reiter said. “Through stories, song and performance, participants will be sharing the rich traditions of indigenous people with the entire province.”
The launch event for the month takes place at John M. Cuelenaere Public Library in Prince tonight from 6:30-9 pm., with Prince Albert Northcote MLA Victoria Jurgens representing Minister Reiter. This all-ages event, hosted by Wapiti Regional Library, will feature traditional Cree storytelling by Solomon Ratt of the First Nations University of Canada, the puppeteering of Rabbit and Bear Paws, and refreshments from the Prince Albert Métis Women’s Association.
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month has grown from modest beginnings in 2004 with 2,800 participants to nearly 300 sessions and more than 16,500 participants last year.
For a listing of events being held throughout Saskatchewan, visit the website of Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples at https://lssap.wordpress.com.