KITCHENER – Local Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers and storytellers are sharing stories of Indigenous culture, history and lived experiences in a new virtual series beginning Feb. 10.
Winter Stories: A Time for Listening, Sharing and Connecting explores the experiences of members of Waterloo Region’s Indigenous communities.
“These storytellers have so much insightful knowledge and wisdom to pass down to future generations,” said City of Kitchener Parks Engagement Associate Alanah Jewell, Bear Clan from Oneida Nation of the Thames. “We hope these stories inspire and educate not only Indigenous young people, but anyone in the community at large who’s interested in learning about the heritage and history of the original caretakers of this land.”
Laurier professor Kathy Absolon, Anishinaabe kwe from Flying Post First Nation, starts the series with “Stories from the Bush” where she reflects on spending the first 20 years of her life in Cranberry Lake, Ontario.
“The land of Cranberry Lake taught me so much about life, and I use those lived experiences in my land-based teachings,” said Absolon. “I’m excited for young Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to hear my story and I hope it inspires them to learn more about the significance of this land.”
This Indigenous-led initiative is a collaboration between the City of Kitchener and the Kitchener Public Library and supported by Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation.
“We’re honoured to be part of this initiative and to help share these important stories and teachings,” said Shirley Luu, Kitchener Public Library’s Digital Marketing Manager. “We hope that the six-part series inspires everyone to learn more about the origins and history of this land.”
For more information about Winter Stories: A Time for Listening, Sharing and Connecting, visit www.kitchener.ca/WinterStories
Six stories will be posted to Kitchener Public Library’s Youtube channel at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10, Feb. 24, March 10, March 24, April 7 and April 21.
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For more information:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca