Aly Ledene shares a picture book of the seven sacred teachings during Kindling Connection at the Esplanade.--PHOTO BY JOLYNN PARENTEAU
“There are different ways of telling stories. Some people would get up and they would recite really long stories; they would almost sing or chant them. Then there were stories that people played with fiddles and were part of fiddle dances. There were the stories that were told in the evening in the winter, and there were stories that had laws and taught us how to live good lives.”
– Maria Campbell, Metis author, playwright, broadcaster, filmmaker and Elder
Long ago, during the cold sedentary winter months, our ancestors used oral storytelling around the fire to pass the time, entertain and share history and cultural teachings within their communities.
February is recognized as Indigenous Storytelling Month. Storytelling is a celebrated gift in all cultures, both ancient and modern, and necessary to preserve our heritages, languages and traditions for the next generations.
On Saturday, the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre hosted a new gathering, Kindling Connection: A Kid’s Creative Campfire Storytelling Event. Throughout the venue, play campfires of red paper flames wrapped in twinkle lights sparked imagination for kids young and old as they gathered in circles to hear tales from far and wide.
Staff and volunteers from local multicultural agencies shared folktales and legends from around the world. This writer joined the event to share three interactive legends: an Ojibwe creation story of Turtle Island, the lands of North and Central America; How Rabbit Got His Long Ears, a Mi’kmaw tale from Kjipuktuk, “the great harbour”, also known as Halifax, N.S. far to the east of Turtle Island; and the fable of The Box of Daylight, from the Tlingit people of the Pacific Northwest.
“This was my first time volunteering as a storyteller, and when they told me it was for culture, I was excited. I would like to tell them the stories I have,” recalls Juhi, originally from India and now a volunteer with the Connection Intercultural Association.
She told the story of Lord Ganesha, a god with the face of an elephant and the body of a human.
“The children were shocked to hear this, how is that possible? But it is part of our beliefs,” she explained to the young listeners.
Abioye “Abi” Oluwalana from Saamis Immigration Services Association shared the African fable, the Tortoise and the Herbalist, the story of why the tortoise no longer walks upright. A cautionary tale about the consequences of greed, appetite and obedience, Abi captured her audience with her rich voice and humorous flare.
“Story sharing is powerful in developing empathy and understanding for one another. That’s what makes this such a great community event,” says Candace Lundrigan, cultural programs co-ordinator at the Esplanade. “Families not only get to hear stories from their neighbours and learn about different cultures, but they also take part in the storytelling through callouts, drumming, singing and other storytelling tools. There’s a great sense of joy and togetherness in our story circles.”
Police Point Park Nature Centre’s Interpretive Program staff Mhairi Donnelly and Genevieve Mathieu were on hand to lead an interactive nature-themed mad libs board.
“We had the children create a story, giving them an outline but they could customize each telling dependent on their likes and interests, with local animals whether it’s here just now or has been in the past; we had the woolly mammoth or the sabre-toothed tiger,” explains Donnelly. “So it’s about education as well in case children don’t know that those animals actually lived here in the past.”
Between story circles, visitors rotated between a roast-your-own s’mores station, face painting by Painter Girl artist Christy Vince, a giant puzzle, scavenger hunt, sensory play and shadow puppet stations. A stamped storybook passport encouraged young participants to visit each activity.
“I loved the face paint and how everyone was just really happy and came together,” said Hat High student Louise Cooper, 17. Her brother Liam’s favourite part of the day was the drumming.
“We made puppets and played the drums and ukelele. I got five stamps in my passport and got my face painted,” shared eight-year-old Camille Andreas, who attended Kindling Connection with her parents and younger brother Avery. “Do you want to know something? I’m actually Metis,” beamed the third grader.
In the Archives, participants could also take in two screenings of the Otipemisiwak Metis Nation of Alberta’s 2022 documentary, Metis Stories of Hope. This short film is a collection of lived experiences from Metis Albertans and explores how Metis identity has changed through the years.
This writer also had the opportunity to offer an author’s reading of Parenteau on the Prairies, a brief autobiography which is published in the documentary’s companion anthology of the same name, Metis Stories of Hope. A copy is available to the public in the Archives.
The City of Medicine Hat’s new community inclusion co-ordinator, Aly Ledene, delighted her story circle audience with a picture book about the Anishinaabe seven sacred teachings, accompanied by animal finger puppets.
“I’m sharing Indigenous multiculturalism and highlighting stories that demonstrate how diverse Indigenous peoples are across this land of ours,” explains Ledene.
Ledene also read from This Land is My Land, a children’s book by author and artist George Littlechild, a Sixties Scoop survivor of Plains Cree and Canadian Celtic heritage.
Until April 6, visitors to the Esplanade can view Littlechild’s exhibit titled “ota niya e-ayayan – ka-ki-wapamin”, Cree for “Here I am – can you see me?” This moving gallery of powerful hand-drawn portraits honours young First Nations lives lost while attending residential school in Alberta.
“I think there’s a real appetite for people to learn more about Indigenous history. Whether that is local to Medicine Hat, or Alberta or to greater Turtle Island,” says Ledene, reflecting on the event. “It was wonderful to see people so invested, and so open-minded and receptive to hearing these stories.”
The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild is offering hour-long Indigenous storytelling workshops via Zoom every Wednesday in February. Beginning today at 11 a.m., the first event, Wordsongs of a Warrior, will feature Metis poet Rita Bouvier. Registration is free online at skwriter.com.
Turtle Island – An Ojibwe Creation Story
Long ago, the world was covered with water. Many creatures lived in the sea and the air above.
There came a time when Mother Earth was ready to welcome her new children, but these were neither of the water nor air. They needed somewhere new to live.
The sea animals wanted to help Mother Earth. They had heard stories of solid ground far below the waters. Turtle agreed that if they could find some soil, she would hold up the land for Mother Earth and her new children.
Each animal took a turn trying to reach the bottom of the oceans, diving as deep as they could, but each creature failed. Finally brave Muskrat took his turn and swam until he saw the bottom. He reached the sea floor and hurried back to the surface.
All of the animals were so grateful when they saw that Muskrat was able to do what none of them could – he had gathered some sandy earth in his little paw. The other animals took the earth and placed it on Turtle’s back, who began to grow to an enormous size.
Mother Earth now had a place for her children to live. She planted trees and the land became lush and full of life. Turtle’s back became a continental island that is known today as North and Central America.
JoLynn Parenteau is a Metis writer out of Miywasin Friendship Centre. Column feedback can be sent to jolynn.parenteau@gmail.com.
