February is Aboriginal Storytelling Month, and that means the province is alive with events focused on the gifts and customs of Indigenous communities. It's a time for celebration, reflection, and fun for everyone. Regina Public Library has many activities and events planned and below are some of the highlights.
Central Branch, February 11, 7:00 pm
Join us for an evening of storytelling from renowned Indigenous storytellers. Speakers will include Teddy Bison, Lorena Cote, Joseph Naytowhow, with emcee Dickie Yuzicapi. This group of exciting knowledge keepers, singers, dancers, artists, and speakers are set to bring unique perspectives and ignite imaginations.
Leah Marie Dorion: Thirteen Moons
Dunlop Sherwood Gallery, February to March 27
Métis artist Leah Marie Dorion shares the moon teachings through her detailed painting and poetry. Important to Indigenous women’s wisdom and traditional cultural knowledge, the moon teachings honour women as vital life-givers. The moon, known by many Elders as “Our Grandmother”, marks the passage of time. It provides wisdom, comfort, protection, and strength from its position above us in the sky. Through her work, Dorion restores Indigenous women’s teachings and connects us to the sacred and healing natural law cycles.
Hannah Claus: trade - treaty - territory
Dunlop Central Gallery, February to March 13
The artworks of this exhibition bring together elements of trade, treaty, and territory to demonstrate ideas of relationship, both Indigenous and colonial. Through sensory engagement with materials, light, and shadow, her installations piece together an atemporal space critical of Western ideologies and systems.
Open Space Arts Society, ends February 9
Featuring Joi T. Arcand, Sonny Assu, Shaun Beyale, Julianne Herney, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, and Jeffrey Veregge. Taking its title from a body of work by Sonny Assu, depicting Spiderman in a traditional Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw style, When Raven Became Spider examines supernatural characters in Indigenous stories and contemporary comic books. These artists and storytellers depict Indigenous super-beings using popular comic book imagery, blurring the line between oral and graphic storytelling. Can their characters, in their new forms, still transmit old-world oratory tales, teaching us something about the frail human condition?
Truth and Reconciliation Book Club
Albert Branch, February 18, 7 p.m.
Read and discuss works by Indigenous authors. This book club includes acclaimed titles like Jonny Appleseed: A Novel by Joshua Whitehead and many other perspective-changing reads. This is one book lovers won't want to miss.
Calls to Action for Truth and Reconciliation: Language
Core Ritchie Neighbourhood Centre, February 27, 7:00 pm
Join Reconciliation Regina, Central Zone Community Associations and Regina Public Library for a series of discussions centered on shared learning, constructive action, and the wisdom of community leaders and knowledge keepers for Truth and Reconciliation. Be inspired to call yourself to action for our shared future as Treaty people. This conversation will be focused on language and culture.
Indigenous Language Kits
Keep the learning and discovery going at home. Check out the Indigenous language kits at Albert Branch library. These kits contain language-based storybooks, toys, and other educational items. Look how fun learning is!