For Robert Gladue there was no “golden moment” that made him a storyteller, it’s traditional knowledge and cultural practice that’s always got him through.

“Storytelling is not just for entertainment to our people.”

Robert Gladue found strength in his culture and traditional stories and now he’s passing it on to others. (Talking Stick Voices)

“I had a difficult childhood surrounded by alcoholism and in order to get through those difficult times, I focussed on culture,” Gladue says. “It was my ability to sing, to pick up the drum and use it for positive vibes, it was a lifestyle that led me to a better place.”

Gladue will share his stories, music, and traditional teachings as part of Indigenous Storytelling Month 2025, February 1 – 28, with virtual and in-person events throughout the province.

“Storytelling is not just for entertainment to our people,” explains Gladue. “Stories carry who you are, they teach you why life is the way it is and how to stay on the right path. They give you a solid foundation to stand on.”

“It’s important to us that the name reflect the diversity of our community.”

That foundation continues to grow under a new name this year – Indigenous Storytelling Month (previously Aboriginal Storytelling Month). Wintertime is a sacred time for Indigenous communities, where knowledge about people and lived experiences are traditionally shared. The Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) has been working on the change for the last five years.

Jessica Generoux leads the team organizing Indigenous storytelling events right across the province. (Hugh Poorman)

“The term Aboriginal is being phased out in all organizations,” says project coordinator Jessica Generoux. “Indigenous is inclusive of our Inuit, Métis, and First Nations people. It’s important to us that the name reflect the diversity of our community.”

“Storytelling empowers our people, heals our people and brings them together.”

The month-long celebration kicks off Feb. 1st in Broadview in the community’s brand-new public library which opened in April. Organizers say they are excited about the launch outside of Saskatchewan’s major cities.

“The new library is a hub for our community not just in Broadview but also the surrounding First Nations of Kahkewistahaw, Sakimay, Cowessess and Ochapowace,” says Morgan Kelly with the South East Regional Library. “It’s a great way to partner with our local Indigenous people and have them visit us to share their own stories.”

There’s something for everyone as schools, local libraries, and cultural organizations gather to hear storytellers share the oral tradition. Artists, poets, dancers, and musicians will perform and give workshops. Filmmaker Tasha Hubbard will be sharing her new documentary Singing Back the Buffalo. All are among the nearly 130 storytelling events in 76 locations and online this month.

“Storytelling empowers our people, heals our people and brings them together,” says Generoux. “One of our key priorities is to create healthier communities by protecting the sacred. This is our role and storytelling in all its forms is sacred.”