A picture is worth a thousand words, and these beaded works of art have a story to tell. They are part of a display at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and are a part of the Sâkêwêwak Storytellers Festival, which coincides with Aboriginal Storytelling Month in Saskatchewan.

February has been designated Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month and the provincial government is once again pleased to be a partner in this significant cultural initiative.

Storytelling events will take place across the province this month, particularly in 30 northern communities, promoting the rich oral history and cultural traditions of First Nations and Métis people.  The main co-ordinator of the celebrations is the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples committee.

More: Sâkêwêwak Storytellers Festival coincides with Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month

“Winter is a traditional time for Aboriginal people to share the gift and time-honoured custom of storytelling,” Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence said on behalf of Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Donna Harpauer.  “The stories, songs and performances we will hear and see this month will reflect an indigenous experience that is such a vital part of the fabric of Saskatchewan.”

The launch event for the month took place at the Moose Jaw Public Library Thursday evening with Aboriginal storytellers Erroll Kinistino and Lorena Cote.

Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month is in its 14th year and has grown significantly from its inception in 2004 when 2,800 people participated in events.  Last year’s celebrations attracted more than 18,200 participants to nearly 400 storytelling sessions.

For more information on Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month and a listing of storytelling events, visit the website of Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples.