Please join us for a two-day festival where we come together to celebrate the rich history of our land. This festival will feature storytelling stages in both Spruce Grove and Stony Plain in the familiar settings of both Central Park and Shikaoi Park.

Joining us will be Wisakecahk Cree storytellers Sam Bull and Doris Collins, along with Inuk storyteller Brenda Egotak, Nakota Sioux Elder Daniel Kootenay and Author of the book Stories of Métis Women: Tales my Kookum Told Me, Bailey Oster.

Food and refreshments will be provided, while supplies last. These will be served in a limited time frame before the start of the festival, to avoid being disruptive during the speakers time.

Participants are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and dress for the weather as this event will be outdoors.

Food and refreshments served between 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Brenda Egotak: 7:00 - 7:45 pm

Sam Bull and Doris Collins: 8:00 - 9:00 pm

Location: Central Park, 450 King St, Spruce Grove, AB

Why a storytelling festival?

Oral traditions are the backbone of Indigenous knowledge transfer and

storytelling is the method by which much is shared. Storytelling serves

to connect individuals and communities to their place and time as well

as each other. Stories are also used to teach history, cultural

etiquette, and spiritual beliefs.

Storytelling is an integral part of traditional Native education systems. Stories develop listening

skills, memory, and imagination, and they support social and emotional learning to develop the

whole child. Language loss was part of the systemic destruction or assimilation of Native

peoples.

Storytelling plays a significant role in preserving cultural heritage by acting as a repository for

traditions, beliefs, values, and histories of societies. Passed down through generations, stories

encapsulate everyday life and cultural nuances that may not be documented in formal history.

Beyond engaging the brain, storytelling exerts powerful influences on our

thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.