Public library in search of Indigenous storytellers
Program has featured diverse mediums, including filmmaking and oral traditions
The Vancouver Public Library is inviting Indigenous storytellers to apply for the position of Indigenous Storyteller in Residence, a program that runs at the VPL from February until May 2020.
The 2019 Indigenous storyteller in residence, Joseph Dandurand, said his time at the VPL was transformative.
“Before the residency, I called myself a poet and playwright. When I got my badge to get into the library and saw the words ‘FN storyteller,’ I realized I am also a storyteller. My stories came to me as poems and plays, and now I could share them in a new way.”
Dawn Ibey, the director for library experience, said the program, which has been in place since 2008, has featured a wide variety of Indigenous storytellers working in diverse mediums, including filmmaking and oral traditions, and has been very well received.
“There is a strong interest among our patrons in better understanding and learning about the Indigenous experience, and learning from Indigenous peoples, an interest from our patrons in learning how to use different kinds of storytelling to capture and share memories,” said Ibey.
Dandurand used his time at the library to mentor other writers and produce new work, including a children’s book called The Magical Sturgeon, slated to be published by Nightwood Press. He said he hopes other First Nations storytellers will apply for these kinds of positions, even if they are unsure about how to share their stories in a settler-culture environment.
“I also live in two worlds,” said Dandurand. “Every day, I drive from my village (on Macmillan Island in the Fraser River) across a bridge and enter into Canada, then cross a bridge to go back home.”
Many of the stories of his culture are sacred, and not for sharing, said Dandurand, but he uses animal imagery, like the Magical Sturgeon, or the Sasquatch, to give glimpses into his world.
Many of his stories have teachings in them, he said. “When you take something from this Earth you should always give something back.”
Ibey said, “This program is an opportunity for us to acknowledge and honour Indigenous people, celebrate their contributions and build intercultural understanding.”