Cree Grandfather and Granddaughter Unite to Celebrate Wisahkicahk

In a heartfelt collaboration, Cree grandfather Solomon Ratt and his granddaughter Ailah Carpenter have created a new booklet featuring stories of the cultural hero Wisahkicahk. This initiative not only aims to preserve Indigenous storytelling but also fosters a deeper understanding and connection between generations. The project is particularly significant for Ratt, a retired professor of Indigenous languages at the First Nations University in Regina, who has dedicated much of his life to the revitalization of the Cree language.

Bridging Generations Through Storytelling

Ratt’s decision to involve Carpenter, who is currently studying at an arts school in Saskatoon, was driven by more than just a collaborative spirit. He sought to engage her with stories passed down from his mother, which he himself learned before attending residential school in Prince Albert. “This was a good way of getting my granddaughter to read the stories and come to know the stories that were from my mother to me to my granddaughter,” Ratt explained.

The booklet comprises tales that hold cultural significance, imparting not just entertainment but essential life lessons. Ratt expressed his desire for younger generations to learn these stories, stating, “They also have philosophies on how to live, which we can all use as adults.” He believes that these narratives teach important values about family, respect, and community.

A Personal and Creative Journey

Creating the illustrations for the booklet was an intense and personal experience for Carpenter. She dedicated time to research the historical context of the stories, ensuring her depictions of tools and clothing were accurate to the era. “I learned some of the metaphorical explanations in the stories and enjoyed the humor in them,” Carpenter shared, highlighting the depth of her engagement with the material.

As the granddaughter of a prominent figure in Cree language revitalization, Carpenter felt a deep responsibility to honor her grandfather’s legacy through her artwork. “I want to do my best to carry such things forever and onwards as long as I’m working as an artist,” she stated. Their collaboration has not only strengthened their bond but also allowed Carpenter to share these stories with her friends, spreading knowledge about Cree culture beyond their family.

Ratt and Carpenter’s project comes at a time when storytelling holds vital importance in Indigenous communities. February is recognized as Indigenous Storytelling Month in Saskatchewan, and Ratt has actively participated by reading from their stories in Cree during social media celebrations. He emphasized the importance of teaching the language to children, saying, “It’s our way back into the past… It’s our way to the future.”

Through this collaborative effort, Ratt and Carpenter not only preserve the rich traditions of Indigenous storytelling but also ensure that these narratives continue to resonate with future generations. Their work exemplifies the power of family, culture, and education in bridging the gap between the past and the present.