Celebrate Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month with us in 2024!
For 20+ years, the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month project has been hosted by the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples committee. The goals of SAS Month are:
• To support and promote First Nations, Metis & Inuit oral storytelling traditions in Saskatchewan
• To celebrate First Nations, Metis & Inuit history, language & culture
• To promote cross-cultural relationships and understanding by promoting storytelling as an important foundational cultural activity
• To facilitate and grow a living oral storytelling collection
• To share the vision of the LSSAP Committee: Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples collaborates through partnerships to enrich communities by promoting and improving library services for Aboriginal peoples.
We thank all of our partner hosts, attendees, Storytellers, Elders, Knowledge-keepers, sponsors and donors for making #SASmonth2024 a success.
Read more about the project, and this year’s events, locations, and Storytellers by reading our Storytelling Guide.
Blaine Lake Public Library - Alexandra Jarrett
Wapiti Regional Library’s Blaine Lake Public Library branch is excited to to host Alexandra Jarrett of Axis Imagery. She will present her story, as well as her photography and spoken poetry. You won’t want to miss this presentation by this multi-talented young entrepreneur.
LSSAP - ᒪᐦᐃᐦᑲᐣ mahihkanak Dance Troup
LSSAP is pleased to be hosting Curtis Peeteetuce and the ᒪᐦᐃᐦᑲᐣ mahihkanak Dance Troupe for an online presentation of dancing, teachings, and stories. Led by Curtis, the ᒪᐦᐃᐦᑲᐣ mahihkanak Dance troupe is a celebration of youth and culture. The students, who are from grades 6-9, will showcase their dancing styles while sharing the teachings and stories of the dances.
For more information, contact the SAS Coordinator via email.
Carnduff Public Library - Heather O’Watch
Southeast Regional Library’s Carnduff Public Library branch will host Storyteller and Author Heather O’Watch. Heather will share her storytelling journey, and share her recently published children’s book, Auntie’s Rez Surprise.
Heather is a Nakoda and Cree woman from the Okanese First Nation in Treaty 4. She currently works for a global Indigenous rights organization, and is also currently enrolled in a Masters Degree in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan.
Meadow Lake - Elder Circles Series
The Meadow Lake Library and North West Friendship Centre are hosting the Elders Circle Series, Mondays & Wednesdays from 1-4pm.
Feb. 5, 7 &12 - Talk about the traditions of medicine bags & make your own
Feb. 19 & 21 - Traditional foods & making fired bannock with Lillian Chatelaine
Feb. 26 - Storytelling with Leon Matchee
Feb. 28 - Elders’ Stories: open sharing
Everyone is welcome to this free community event.
SWG - Reclaiming Storytelling
Join the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild for Reclaiming Storytelling, hosted by Erica Violet Lee, and featuring Mika Lafond. Mika will share how she explored poetry and nêhiyawêwin in her book 'nipê wânîn' and then went on to teach Creative Writing to help others tell their stories. She uses life experiences and stories that she has heard from elders/knowledge keepers to reclaim the nêhiyaw way of transmitting knowledge through story.
Mika is from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. She published her first book of poetry, nipe wanin, in 2017. She has had poetry and short stories published, and a script presented in Indigenous Ensemble. She teaches Creative Writing classes to adults, youth & children.
This is a virtual event which will be held over Zoom. Use this link to register.
Oxbow Prairie Horizons School - Heather O’Watch
Southeast Regional Library and Oxbow Prairie Horizons School will host Storyteller and Author Heather O’Watch. Heather will share her storytelling journey, and share her recently published children’s book, Auntie’s Rez Surprise.
Heather is a Nakoda and Cree woman from the Okanese First Nation in Treaty 4. She currently works for a global Indigenous rights organization, and is also currently enrolled in a Masters Degree in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan.
Weldon School (Bienfait) - Heather O’Watch
Southeast Regional Library and Weldon School (Bienfait) will host Storyteller and Author Heather O’Watch. Heather will share her storytelling journey, and share her recently published children’s book, Auntie’s Rez Surprise.
Heather is a Nakoda and Cree woman from the Okanese First Nation in Treaty 4. She currently works for a global Indigenous rights organization, and is also currently enrolled in a Masters Degree in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan.
Meota - Joan Marie Galat
Lakeland Regional Library’s Meota Public Library is hosting an evening of storytelling with Joan Marie Galat.
This event is also locally sponsored by Meota Lakeshore Lions, Meota ADRA, and Meota United/Anglican Church.
Kennedy Langback School - Artist and Activist Danii Kehler
Southeast Regional Library and Kennedy Longbank School are hosting Danielle Kehler on Tuesday, February 27. Danii is Plains Cree, from Kawacatoose First Nation on Treaty 4 territory. She recently received her Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management at the University of Saskatchewan, and is an artist who shares stories through her art by showcasing the true beauty and meaning of Indigenous culture and people.
Danielle was the “first” First Nations person from Canada to join the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition in March 2022, becoming an Ambassador for the Antarctic. She is also the Manager of SevenGen, an Indigenous youth led organization aimed at creating space where Indigenous youth and communities are mobilized to advance in the energy and sustainability sector.
Gravelbourg Library - Carole Rose GoldenEagle
Chinook Regional Library’s Gravelbourg Branch is partnering with Prairie South Schools to host award winning author, and visual artist, Carol Rose GoldenEagle, for a storytelling session with students.
Estevan Public Library - Heather O’Watch
Southeast Regional Library’s Estevan Public Library will host Storyteller and Author Heather O’Watch. Heather will share her storytelling journey, and share her recently published children’s book, Auntie’s Rez Surprise.
Heather is a Nakoda and Cree woman from the Okanese First Nation in Treaty 4. She currently works for a global Indigenous rights organization, and is also currently enrolled in a Masters Degree in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan.
Wawota Parkland School - Artist and Activist Danii Kehler
Southeast Regional Library and Wawota Parkland School are hosting Danielle Kehler on Tuesday, February 27. Danii is Plains Cree, from Kawacatoose First Nation on Treaty 4 territory. She recently received her Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management at the University of Saskatchewan, and is an artist who shares stories through her art by showcasing the true beauty and meaning of Indigenous culture and people.
Danielle was the “first” First Nations person from Canada to join the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition in March 2022, becoming an Ambassador for the Antarctic. She is also the Manager of SevenGen, an Indigenous youth led organization aimed at creating space where Indigenous youth and communities are mobilized to advance in the energy and sustainability sector.
Chinook Regional Library - Kim Soo Goodtrack
Chinook Regional Library and Chinook School Division are cooperating to host a virtual storytelling session with Kim Soo Goodtrack. Kim will lead students through an art lesson and story.
Kim is a member of the Lakota Woodmountain reserve in southern Saskatchewan. She has taught in schools, as well as teaching art to both children and adults, sharing her culture and way of life in her teaching.
Lampman School - Heather O’Watch
Southeast Regional Library and Lampman School will host Storyteller and Author Heather O’Watch. Heather will share her storytelling journey, and share her recently published children’s book, Auntie’s Rez Surprise.
Heather is a Nakoda and Cree woman from the Okanese First Nation in Treaty 4. She currently works for a global Indigenous rights organization, and is also currently enrolled in a Masters Degree in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan.
Midale Centrale School - Heather O’Watch
Southeast Regional Library and Midale Central School will host Storyteller and Author Heather O’Watch. Heather will share her storytelling journey, and share her recently published children’s book, Auntie’s Rez Surprise.
Heather is a Nakoda and Cree woman from the Okanese First Nation in Treaty 4. She currently works for a global Indigenous rights organization, and is also currently enrolled in a Masters Degree in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan.
Meadow Lake - Elder Circles Series
The Meadow Lake Library and North West Friendship Centre are hosting the Elders Circle Series, Mondays & Wednesdays from 1-4pm.
Feb. 5, 7 &12 - Talk about the traditions of medicine bags & make your own
Feb. 19 & 21 - Traditional foods & making fired bannock with Lillian Chatelaine
Feb. 26 - Storytelling with Leon Matchee
Feb. 28 - Elders’ Stories: open sharing
Everyone is welcome to this free community event.
Whitewood Public Library - Artist and Activist Danii Kehler
Southeast Regional Library’s Broadview Public Library branch is hosting Danielle Kehler on Monday, February 26. Danii is Plains Cree, from Kawacatoose First Nation on Treaty 4 territory. She recently received her Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management at the University of Saskatchewan, and is an artist who shares stories through her art by showcasing the true beauty and meaning of Indigenous culture and people.
Danielle was the “first” First Nations person from Canada to join the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition in March 2022, becoming an Ambassador for the Antarctic. She is also the Manager of SevenGen, an Indigenous youth led organization aimed at creating space where Indigenous youth and communities are mobilized to advance in the energy and sustainability sector.
Marcelin - Alexandra Jarrett
Wapiti Regional Library’s Marcelin Public Library branch is excited to partner with the Blaine Lake Composite School to host Alexandra Jarrett of Axis Imagery. She will present her story of entrepreneurship, as well as her photography and spoken poetry.
Meadow Lake - Tales from a Trapper
Lakeland Regional Library’s Meadow Lake Library branch is hosting an evening of Tales from a Trapper with Duane Iron. Learn about life on the trap line from Duane, an experienced trapper and member of Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association.
Everyone is welcome to this free community event.
Roleau - Dickie Yuzicapi
Rouleau Library will be hosting a Storytelling session with Francis (Dickie) Yuzicapi. Dicki will be sharing cultural, historical, and humorous Indigenous stories that have been passed on to him from generations past. The performance will include performance of drum and traditional flute by Dickie, who is a talented musician as well as a storyteller, and entrepreneur.
All ages are welcome!
Melfort - Beading & Teachings
Wapiti Regional Library’s Melfort Public Library is hosting an evening of beading and teachings with Amy Constant and Elder Shirley Sanderson.
Learn how to make your own pair of beaded earrings, while listening to Elder Shirley share Elder Teachings with the group.
Space is limited. Call 306-752-2022 to register.
Elbow - Dickie Yuzicapi
Elbow Library will be hosting a Storytelling session with Francis (Dickie) Yuzicapi. Dicki will be sharing cultural, historical, and humorous Indigenous stories that have been passed on to him from generations past. The performance will include performance of drum and traditional flute by Dickie, who is a talented musician as well as a storyteller, and entrepreneur.
All ages are welcome!
Meadow Lake - Elder Circles Series
The Meadow Lake Library and North West Friendship Centre are hosting the Elders Circle Series, Mondays & Wednesdays from 1-4pm.
Feb. 5, 7 &12 - Talk about the traditions of medicine bags & make your own
Feb. 19 & 21 - Traditional foods & making fired bannock with Lillian Chatelaine
Feb. 26 - Storytelling with Leon Matchee
Feb. 28 - Elders’ Stories: open sharing
Everyone is welcome to this free community event.
SWG - Michelle Good
The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild is presenting a virtual session titled Underneath the Myth of Canadian History with Michelle Good, hosted by Erica Violet Lee. You won’t want to miss this lunchtime presentation with the multi-talented and engaging Michelle Good.
Michelle is a Cree writer, lawyer, and advocate for residential school survivors, as well as an award winning author. Her first novel Five Little Indians won multiple awards including the Governor General’s Literary Award. Her newest work, Truth Telling: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada was released in 2023.
To register, visit this link.
North Battleford - A Day with Richard Van Camp
Join North Battleford Public Library as they welcome celebrated storyteller Richard Van Camp for a fun filled day of storytelling in celebration of Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month. Activities will be available for all age groups and will include lunch and supper.
11:00 am - 12:00pm - Children’s Storytime
12:00pm - 12:30pm - Lunch
2:00pm - 3:30pm - Creative Writing
5:00pm - 6:00pm - Supper
6:30pm - 8:00pm - Gather: Miracle Studies
View this event on the North Battleford Public Library Facebook page.
Bethune - Dickie Yuzicapi
Bethune Library will be hosting a Storytelling session with Francis (Dickie) Yuzicapi. Dicki will be sharing cultural, historical, and humorous Indigenous stories that have been passed on to him from generations past. The performance will include performance of drum and traditional flute by Dickie, who is a talented musician as well as a storyteller, and entrepreneur.
All ages are welcome!
Assiniboia - Dickie Yuzicapi
Assiniboia Library will be hosting a Storytelling session with Francis (Dickie) Yuzicapi. Dicki will be sharing cultural, historical, and humorous Indigenous stories that have been passed on to him from generations past. The performance will include performance of drum and traditional flute by Dickie, who is a talented musician as well as a storyteller, and entrepreneur.
All ages are welcome!
Vibank Public Library - Irma Klyne
Southeast Regional Library’s Vibank Public Library branch is pleased to host Métis Knowledge Keeper Irma Klyne, who will share stories, Michif language, and culture.
Irma has worked the majority of her adult life either with or for Indigenous organizations. This was the ideal forum for her as she has always been a proud Métis woman and every opportunity to share that pride and culture with the rest of the world could not be missed.
Mossbank - Dickie Yuzicapi
Mossbank Library will be hosting a Storytelling session with Francis (Dickie) Yuzicapi. Dicki will be sharing cultural, historical, and humorous Indigenous stories that have been passed on to him from generations past. The performance will include performance of drum and traditional flute by Dickie, who is a talented musician as well as a storyteller, and entrepreneur.
All ages are welcome!
North Battleford - Curtis Peeteetuce
North Battleford Public Library presents an evening of Storytelling with Curtis Peeteetuce.
Curtis is Cree from Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation. He is a talented artist who has worked in theatre, radio, music, and film.