Aboriginal storytelling at the N. B’ford library

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The North Battleford Public Library recently announced a slate of events to celebrate Saskatchewan’s 20th Aboriginal Storytelling Month with an evening of storytelling.

“It’s important for us to recognize aboriginal storytelling month in Saskatchewan because storytelling for Indigenous people is a very important custom that’s been used to teach others cultural traditions and share knowledge,” Colin Evans, head librarian, told the News-Optimist.

On Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., Curtis Peeteetuce, playwright and sound designer, is joining the library for an evening of storytelling and conversations.

The library’s inaugural Indigenous Book Club will bring Richard Van Camp’s novel, Gather: On Storytelling, to the library on Feb. 26, at 6 p.m., which Evans finds interesting, considering February is Aboriginal Storytelling Month.

“Ergo, it’s perfect to celebrate storytelling month,” Evans added.

Copies of Gather: On Storytelling are available at the front desk.

Feb. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., Métis crafter Brenda Belanger will join the library for a fun-filled afternoon instructing children on how to make Indigenous crafts.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

“We want to, of course, support our First Nations,

Métis and Inuit storytellers and recognize the oral traditions that have been passed down for generations,” Evans added.

Library officialsy say they feel it’s essential to collaborate with Indigenous partners to enrich the community by promoting library services, as well as helping Indigenous people to tell their stories to a diverse population.

“We’re very excited about (the events).”

Next month, the library will be having Michelle Good come out and talk about her book, Five Little Indians.

“... we’re really excited about that as well.” to volunteerism

For more information on upcoming events, visit the North Battleford Public Library’s Facebook page.

• Kerilyn Voigt – honoured for contributions to healthcare

• Cst. Navdip Garcha –honoured for contributions to law enforcement

• Jane Zielke de Montbrun – honoured for contributions to healthcare

• Alvin Baptiste – honoured for contributions to reconciliation

• Cst. Guillaume Lavoie – honoured for contributions to law enforcement

• Pat Gotto – honoured for contributions to volunteerism

• Chief Lindsay Holm –honoured for contributions to protective services

• Melanie Roberts –honoured for contributions to education

• Amber Stewart – honoured for contributions to volunteerism

• Donald Meriam – honoured for contributions to philanthropy

• Rosemarie Stadnyk – honoured for contributions to the arts

• Sherron Burns – honoured for contributions to reconciliation

According to a city of North Battleford press release, the city extends its sincere congratulations to all Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal recipients for their tireless efforts in making North Battleford a more inclusive, safe, and beautiful place to live, work and play.

Known for his fiddle, this multi-instrumentalist singer / songwriter will perform in an evening not to be missed!

Since starting his solo career after retiring from Neal McCoy, Donny has become one of Canada’s highest nominated acts with over 100 nominations across Canada and the USA, with three of those being Junos!