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Visitors listen to stories at the Poundmaker Museum in December. (Submitted Photo/Floyd Favel)
Winter storytelling

Winter storytelling continues Jan. 28-29

Jan 23, 2025 | 2:27 PM

Floyd Favel wants to revive a winter tradition.

“It was a common thing a generation or two ago where people would gather and they would get an elder to share sacred stories,’ he said.

“These stories are the base of our world view, language and culture.”

From Jan. 28 to Jan. 29, presented by the Sarasa Performance Lab and Miyawata Culture Inc, the second of the two Winter Storytelling events will take place at Chapel Gallery and Poundmaker Veteran’s Hall respectively.

Favel, a writer, artist and educator said the storytelling functioned as both information and entertainment.

“From there, you were being educated and taught about creation, about human beings and about family and cultural responsibilities,” he said.

On the first night, which will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. contemporary storytellers including poets and writers Janelle Pewapsconias, Cheyenne Sapp, Miguel Fenrich will present their work.

On Jan. 29, the event will run from noon to 6 p.m. will begin with ceremonial protocols at the Poundmaker Museum and then Ken Saddleback from Maskwacis, Alberta will present “Stories of Sacred Beings – Foundations of our Worldviews.”

“That’s how it works,” he said.

“You just come, sit, listen, take part and learn and absorb.

The artist explained he had hosted similar events in the past but that he never publicized them. This time, however, he felt the need to bring attention to the community.

“It’s now that we need stories and tradition,” of winter storytelling’s importance.

“To us, our young people and also to the non-Indigenous people.”

Favel said the event is open to everyone who wishes to attend and all that is required is a registration which can be made by emailing miyawata.films@gmail.com. He hopes that it will not only be an educational experience but also one of enlightenment and another step towards ongoing healing.

“Come as you are, sit and listen, have an open mind,” he said.

“The only way we learn is open mind.”

julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: juleslovett.bsky.social