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By Elliott Knopp

Beauval Storytelling

Beauval Library hosting Indigenous Storytelling Month virtual sessions

Feb 4, 2021 | 5:05 PM

The Beauval Public Library is hosting a series of virtual storytellings during February in recognition of Indigenous Storytelling Month.

The month shines a spotlight on aspects of Indigenous culture through oral communication, an intergenerational tradition in Indigenous culture.

Beauval Librarian Carol Edquist said the occasion has been well-received by the community in the past, and is optimistic that the virtual settings will receive a similar reception this time around.

“I think it means a lot to the community,” Edquist said. “Last year, we had Indian Ernie come in and do a presentation, and the response we got was really good. So we’re hoping this year that the response for the virtual storytelling are just as good as the ones we did in the school and the community hall.”

At the time of publishing, only two events have been confirmed, but there are at least three more virtual storytelling sessions in the works. On the Beauval Information Station group on Facebook, two links to Bobby Buffin’s YouTube page provide members with the opportunity to follow Buffin as he guides the viewer through his family’s experience in commercial fishing.

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The Royal Saskatchewan Museum announced it would also be hosting virtual storytelling sessions, posting 14 Indigenous story recordings in a video series throughout the month. Edquist added these stories provide individuals with a unique insight into the lives of Indigenous people and their culture.

“I think it’s really good for our people to listen to these stories from other people. There is a lot of information that we didn’t know about before, like how each part of the drum means a certain thing. The information in these stories share a lot about the culture,” Edquist said.

Among other Indigenous people storytellers to participate in the province-wide event is Randy Morin, an author and assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan. The Big River First Nation local is sharing traditional Cree stories on YouTube.

In an interview with paNOW, Morin stated the importance of people knowing these stories, saying teachings about human connection, generosity and trust are woven into many Indigenous stories, and can be influential in healing and character development.

“How to strengthen your character to be more kind, more forgiving, more generous, more compassionate — the world needs that, our young people need that,” Morin said. “So that’s why I tell these stories.”

More details about Indigenous Storytelling Month programming in Beauval is expected to be posted on the Beauval Information Station group on Facebook as they become available.

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Elliott.Knopp@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp