This image is from a previous Indigenous Storytelling event by Saskatchewan Polytechnic Library. They are one of several groups that will be hosting numerous events again this year. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic Library/Facebook)

By paNOW Staff

Promoting Indigenous cultures and languages

From Cree creation stories to contemporary healing: Indigenous Storytelling Month begins

Feb 2, 2026 | 5:06 PM

February marks a significant cultural initiative in the province: Indigenous Storytelling Month.

It celebrates First Nations, Métis, and Inuit oral traditions across Saskatchewan with numerous events including storytelling, music, and even puppet shows, to promote culture and language. The event started 23 years ago by the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP). It’s a committee composed of volunteer librarians that work towards advocacy for Indigenous programming and representation within library spaces.

Daphie Pooyak presents to students during a previous Indigenous Storytelling Month event. Pooyak is a Nakota Cree traditional teacher, and cultural advisor from Sweetgrass First Nation located in central Saskatchewan. (Image Credit: Submitted/LSSAP)

Project coordinator Jessica Generoux said the event had some very humble beginnings.

“There was just a couple of libraries involved and a couple hundred participants and over the years, the project has grown immensely to about 20 partnerships including municipal and regional library systems across the provinces and their various branches. And we grew from a few storytellers to today where we are seeing over 100 storytelling sessions during the month of February involving 67 storytellers.”

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Generoux added they are expecting about 12,000 participants this year and about 85 per cent of them will likely be from rural and underserved areas of Saskatchewan.

An official launch of the month-long celebration will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday night. The LSSAP and the University of Regina’s Dr. John Archer Library and Archives will livestream the event that features Randy Morin from Big River First Nation.

Storyteller, author and language keeper Randy Morin from Big River First Nation. (Image Credit: Submitted/LSSAP)

Morin is a storyteller, author, and currently teaches at the University of Saskatchewan as an Assistant Professor with the Department of Indigenous Studies. His main passion is teaching the nêhiyaw language / Plains Cree.

“I enjoy sharing the stories that were shared with me…stories I’ve heard and been given permission to share,” said Morin. “Since February is Aboriginal Storytelling Month, we can actually mention Wesakechak – because of protocol, you can’t say his name when there is no snow on the ground.”

Wesakechak (wîsahkêcâhk) is a central figure in Cree oral tradition, acting as a trickster, culture hero, and transformer who rebuilt the earth after a great flood with the help of animals. Morin said his stories serve as moral lessons, demonstrating the consequences of greed, selfishness, or foolishness.

“I’ll be sharing those stories about Cree creation, but also sharing contemporary stories about healing, overcoming adversity, the power of the mind and some supernatural stories that are fan favourites. People like hearing my story of the UFO or the Bigfoot.”

Morin has been storytelling for years and said he is often approached by youth he presented to years ago. It’s inspired him to write several children’s books; his fifth one is currently in production. His work may have also inspired a younger generation to follow in his and other Knowledge Keepers’ footsteps.

Generoux said organizers of Indigenous Storytelling Month are starting to see a lot of younger storytellers emerging.

“They have a lot to share. They have a lot of passion. They have a lot of motivation in building those connections and capacity for intergenerational healing,” she said.

Jessica Generoux is the project coordinator for Indigenous Storytelling Month in Saskatchewan. (Image Credit: Submitted/LSSAP)

New topics are also emerging. Generoux said some presenters are speaking about the climate crisis.

“So that’s really interesting to see come out…evolving the cultural evolution of how we respond as humanity, how we respond to the changing environment.”

Events take place throughout the month in places like Prince Albert, La Ronge, Meadow Lake, North Battleford and Melfort. For a full listing, visit the LSSAP events calendar here.

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panews@pattsionmedia.com