Library's Inaugural First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence

(Vancouver, British Columbia) – Vancouver Public Library’s inaugural First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence began her four-month residency today, launching the first such program at a BC public library and only the second position in the country after Regina Public Library.

Amanda Nahanee, whose ancestral name is Shamantsut, is the Library’s inaugural First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence. She is a Cultural Ambassador of the Squamish Nation and a descendent of the Squamish and Nisga’a Nations.

“Vancouver Public Library is thrilled and very proud to announce this historic program today and to introduce Amanda Nahanee as our first Storyteller-in-Residence,” said Library Board Chair Joan Andersen. “Amanda’s formal training along with traditional knowledge will showcase the local Musqueam, Squamish, Ts’lilwetulh and Lil’wat Nations and her broad experience bridges Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.”

Ms. Nahanee is well versed in Coast Salish language, mythology, history, rites and rituals, protocols and village sites. She has also spent extensive time researching and documenting Vancouver’s history and rich diversity of cultures and has addressed national and international gatherings from academic conferences to community events. Her experience at home and abroad has introduced her to a wealth of storytellers, elders, musicians and artists from various nations.

The First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence program was created to enhance and establish new relationships with the Aboriginal and First Nations communities in Vancouver and to make the Library a more inclusive and welcoming place for people of Aboriginal and First Nations heritage, said Ms Andersen.

“Through Library programs and our outreach activities we have heard that traditional library services may not meet the needs of many First Nations and Aboriginal people and through discussions determined that a Storyteller-in-Residence program is something that would benefit Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people,” she added.

The program is generously funded by the Vancouver Foundation and the Vancouver Public Library Foundation.

“Storytelling has long been a tradition among First Nations communities,” says Faye Wightman, CEO of Vancouver Foundation. “Stories are passed down from generation to generation. At Vancouver Foundation, we and our donors are pleased to support the Library’s First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence program and hope the public story sharing, the mentorship, and the special projects with seniors and youth will help promote storytelling as an art and encourage learning about Aboriginal traditions.”

Likewise, the VPL Foundation was excited to support this innovative and community-building program.

“Working to ensure Vancouver’s diverse communities are well served by their public Library is very important to the VPL Foundation,” said Chair Terry Salman. “We believe that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people will greatly benefit from this exciting program and we congratulate Amanda Nahanee as the inaugural First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence.”

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Founded in 1869, Vancouver Public Library is one of Canada's largest library systems, dedicated to meeting the lifelong learning, reading, recreation and information needs of the people of Vancouver. Each year, the Library’s 22 branches serve over 370,000 visitors and offer over 2.5 million items, including books, CDs, DVDs and magazines, and countless online resources.


For more information, please contact:

 

Jean Kavanagh
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Vancouver Public Library
604-612-4059
jean.kavanagh@vpl.ca