Indigenous Storytelling Month Celebrated by Lynden Linklater

On February 3, 2024, Lynden Linklater, a prominent Knowledge Keeper and Storyteller based in Saskatoon, engaged young audiences at the Prince Albert Early Years Resource Centre as part of National Indigenous Storytelling Month. The event, held in the Gateway Mall, was designed to promote Indigenous culture and storytelling traditions among children and families.

Promoting Indigenous Culture

Linklater has previously collaborated with the Prince Albert Early Years Resource Centre through the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, which coordinates educational initiatives that highlight Indigenous history and traditions. The Office’s Speakers Bureau connects knowledgeable individuals with organizations seeking to raise awareness about Indigenous culture.

“The intent is to promote education and awareness about Indigenous culture, history, traditions, treaties,” Linklater explained. His involvement with the Centre has included teaching children how to create birch bark baskets, integrating arts and crafts into cultural education.

During his storytelling session, Linklater shared a variety of narratives, from personal tales to imaginative fairy tales. “I’m here today just sharing stories,” he noted. “There’s all sorts of stories.” The enthusiastic response from attendees underscored the importance of storytelling in fostering connections between generations.

Engaging Families and Inspiring Future Storytellers

Linklater emphasized the role of storytelling in everyday life, encouraging everyone to share their experiences, no matter how small. “Even if it’s something as simple as telling your friends what you watched on TV last night, you’re telling a story,” he stated. This perspective highlights the universal nature of storytelling as a fundamental human activity.

Feedback from parents indicated that Linklater’s storytelling sessions had a significant impact. He noted, “Without a doubt, those parents really enjoyed the little story session. If you make an impact on the parents, you make an impact on the kids.” The session, initially held in a crowded area of the Centre, later moved to a separate location to accommodate the growing audience.

Linklater expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in Indigenous Storytelling Month, which runs from February 2 to February 28, 2024. He is scheduled to continue his storytelling journey throughout the province, with upcoming engagements in Moose Jaw on February 12 and other locations, including a five-and-a-half-hour drive to Turnor Lake.

The enthusiastic response to Linklater’s storytelling sessions reflects a broader trend, as the Office of the Treaty Commissioner has seen an increase in requests for Indigenous storytellers across Canada. This momentum illustrates the growing recognition of the value of Indigenous narratives and the importance of preserving these cultural traditions for future generations.

Linklater’s commitment to storytelling serves not only to educate but also to inspire, highlighting the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and the vital role of storytelling in nurturing community connections.