Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content

Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

Image
Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

The VPL Indigenous Storyteller in Residence program was created in 2008 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the importance of storytelling as a way to learn about and from Indigenous communities in Vancouver. Through the Storyteller in Residence, we seek to honour Indigenous cultures and to promote intercultural understanding and communication. Storytelling can happen through a variety of mediums and narrative practices, and therefore this residency is open to all Indigenous storytellers who wish to share their knowledge and history.

VPL recognizes that sincere action to decolonize our practices and to centre Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices is needed. The Indigenous Storyteller in Residence program is essential to the library's public programming.

The 2024 Storyteller in Residence is Joseph Kakwinokanasum.

  • Image
    A photograph of Joseph Kakwinokanasum

    Joseph Kakwinokanasum

    2024 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

    Joseph Kakwinokanasum is a member of the James Smith Cree Nation and grew up in the Peace region of northern B.C. His debut novel, My Indian Summer, is loosely based on his own childhood and was the winner of the 2023-2024 First Nations Communities READ Award and shortlisted for the 2023 ReLit Award for fiction. Other accolades include being named one of The Writers Trust of Canada’s Rising Stars of 2022 and a finalist for CBC’s Nonfiction Prize in 2020.

    As storytellers, we honour our ancestors with the legends and tales passed down to us. No matter what culture you come from, storytelling has always been a social tool that builds community and understanding.

    I believe that strength and honour are elemental when it comes to storytelling, and that storytelling is a way to gain personal power. I'm looking forward to working with the community to help others discover this power and share their stories.

    In his role as the Indigenous Storyteller in Residence, Kakwinokanasum will spend part of his time developing a new writing project – a dark, gritty, horror fantasy that builds upon some of the Indigenous ghost stories he learned as a child. Kakwinokanasum also plans on hosting writing workshops, consults and events to support emerging writers and storytellers in developing their craft.

Upcoming Events

  • Indigenous Storyteller in Residence Joseph Kakwinokanasum offers one-on-one consultations to local writers in person at the Central Library. Joseph has expertise in fiction, memoir, poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction. 

    To request an appointment, email programs@vpl.ca with the subject line "Writing Consults with Joseph Kakwinokanasum" and the following information:

    2:00pm – 4:00pm

    Central Library
  • Get to know other book lovers and explore the work of Joseph Kakwinokanasum and his 2022 novel My Indian Summer at this special VPL staff-led book club to celebrate the 2024 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence, with an appearance by the author himself

    6:30pm – 8:00pm

    Online event
  • Indigenous Storyteller in Residence Joseph Kakwinokanasum offers one-on-one consultations to local writers in person at the Central Library. Joseph has expertise in fiction, memoir, poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction. 

    To request an appointment, email programs@vpl.ca with the subject line "Writing Consults with Joseph Kakwinokanasum" and the following information:

    2:00pm – 4:00pm

    Central Library

Watch Current Storyteller Event Replays

Opening Event with Joseph Kakwinokanasum, 2024 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

Watch replay

 

Watch Past Storyteller Event Replays

Introducing Les George: 2023 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

Watch replay

Kalup George: Keeping the Language

Watch replay

Les George: Virtual Field Trip

Watch replay

Tsleil-Waututh Teaching and Traditions: Regalia

Watch replay

Tsleil-Waututh Teaching and Traditions: Drums

Watch replay

Coast Salish Anthem

Watch replay

Story of Waut-Salk

Watch replay

Story Stream: Les George

Watch replay

Les George: Indigenous Storyteller in Residence Finale

Watch replay

Sam George Jr: Truth Comes Before Reconciliation

Watch replay

 


 

Introducing Eden Fine Day: 2022 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

Watch replay

Eden Fine Day Virtual School Visit

Watch replay

nēhiyawēwin: Indigenous Language Revitalization with Elder Dorothy Visser

Watch replay

Decolonizing the Media with Kelsie Kilawna of IndigiNews

Watch replay

 


 

Introducing Kung Jaadee: 2021 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

Watch replay

Haida songs and stories with Kung Jaadee

Watch replay

The Body Song (Haida/English)

Watch replay

I Love You Song (Haida/English

Watch replay

You Are My Sunshine (Haida/English)

Watch replay

 

Past Storytellers in Residence

  • Image
    A photograph of Les George

    2023 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

  • Image
    Photo of Eden Fine Day

    2022 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

  • Image
    Photo of Kung Jaadee

    2021 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence

  • Image
    Nova Weipert

    2020 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence