Métis fiddler player Tristen Durocher is passionate about protecting Indigenous people and culture. In 2020 the world found out just how passionate when he walked hundreds of kilometres and set up camp on the lawn of the Saskatchewan Legislature. He wanted to bring attention to the high suicide rate of Northern and Indigenous people. It was a move that lead to the passing of the suicide prevention bill.

“It’s up to us as Indigenous people to keep our full, honest accounts of our collective histories alive.”

Tristen Durocher takes pride in carrying on the tradition of Indigenous storytelling. (Curtis Vinish)

Ever since, he’s been sharing his stories and music to inspire others. Durocher will join other storytellers across the province for Aboriginal Storytelling Month 2024 February 1 – 29.

“I’m always first a listener, a visitor, a friend, and a storyteller second,” says Durocher. “It’s up to us as Indigenous people to keep our full, honest accounts of our collective histories alive, not only for us but also the rest of Canada.”

Wintertime is a sacred time for Indigenous communities, where knowledge about people and lived experiences are traditionally shared. To celebrate, the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) is helping schools, local libraries, and cultural organizations with a mix of online and in-person events that highlight the power of storytelling. The month-long event kicks off February 1st. 67 Storytellers from across the province will share poetry, stories for children, cooking classes, cultural teachings, art lessons and musical performances.

“Comedy breaks down barriers, fights stereotypes and promotes inclusivity and understanding.”

Cheyenna Sapp comedic storytelling spreads understanding throughout all communities. (Shawn Cuthand)

Comedian and actor Cheyenna Sapp feels blessed she grew up in a family of storytellers. Sapp will share her experiences on stage, on tv, and give the audience a try at stand-up.

“When I started in comedy, I instantly saw it as a powerful form of storytelling,” says Sapp. “The stories I tell onstage about the Indigenous experience reach a wider audience. Comedy breaks down barriers, fights stereotypes and promotes inclusivity and understanding all through a good laugh together.”

“Everything is connected in our world. That’s the Indigenous perspective.”

Artist Danii Kehler inspires youth with her presentations on climate change. (Enya Bird Productions)

Indigenous artist Danii Kehler had no plans of being a storyteller but after becoming the first First Nations person from Canada to join the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition (2022) and an Ambassador for the Antarctic she was inspired. She’ll be sharing her experiences across the province as part of the month-long celebration.

“Everything is connected in our world. That’s the Indigenous perspective,” says Kehler. “We must help people see that the land, our environment, our people, we are all connected and must become stewards of the land and humanity.”

“I hope the book helps people learn the experiences of their ancestors.”

Carol Buffin and her father Peter Buffin are hoping to preserve Beauval’s history through the storytelling of elders. (Photo Provided)

At the Beauval Public Library elders’ stories are being collected into a book that tells the history of the area and it will be launched as part of the celebrations. Librarian Carol Buffin’s father Peter was happy to share his own history for the book.

“My dad is a good storyteller and even at 87, he remembers so much about what the community was like when he was growing up,” says Buffin. “I hope the book helps people learn the experiences of their ancestors. It’s important to gather them before they are no longer with us.”