In recognition of Aboriginal Storytelling Month, Palliser Regional Library has put together a series of video presentations with local storyteller Kim Soo Goodtrack to share with a number of schools in the south-central region.
From Feb. 22-26, Goodtrack will be appearing remotely to speak with students from schools in Imperial, Davidson, Holdfast and throughout Prairie South School Division about the importance of Aboriginal history and storytelling.
Goodtrack is a storyteller, artist and children’s author, who has been sharing her knowledge with children for decades. Her family has deep connections to the Lakota reservation at Wood Mountain.
Goodtrack said her presentations will touch on topics like the use and demise of the buffalo, residential schools, and Aboriginal traditions including the meaning of ribbon skirts, to tie into recent headlines about a young girl in eastern Saskatchewan.
“When you share traditional teachings, you also have to share the tragic history,” said Goodtrack. “I don’t dwell on it, but I ask the children to be respectful of one another’s culture and that we never want to do what was done to the First Nations people.”
She will also be sharing some of her own personal experiences and her work as an artist, author and children’s TV show creator, to talk about the importance of creative expression.
The school-focused presentations are something new for Palliser Regional Library, as the region usually hosts a public event in celebration of Aboriginal Storytelling Month, but rural branch manager Kari Hennenfent is excited to put together something new that will reach so many students.
The Palliser library region encompasses 19 rural areas, and Hennenfent is still working to include as many schools as possible, which is made possible, thanks to the video format.
“We’re just so excited to be able to give (Goodtrack’s) message and her knowledge to all those students,” said Hennenfent. “That’s maybe the hidden positive of COVID, is we’re bringing her virtually where we’d never be able to do what we’re doing in just eight sessions (in person). ”
The currently scheduled presentations will reach an estimated 720 students, said Hennenfent, in just four days.
“The impact that we’re going to be able to make in just eight hours of (Goodtrack’s) time is incredible,” said Hennenfent.
With Goodtrack’s family history so richly connected to the south-central region, Hennenfent is pleased to have her involved with the event, and Goodtrack is also excited to be taking part.
“I have always been child-centred, and I like to promote cultural respect and cultural sharing, and being appreciative of each other's cultures," said Goodtrack.
Palliser Regional Library is also hoping to host a public event for Aboriginal Storytelling Month, with funding help from Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples, although no plans have been solidified yet.
For more information on Kim Soo Goodtrack and her art, visit kimsoogoodtrack.com.
