Jason Chamakese (Submitted Photo/Tjalling Photography)

By Derek Craddock

MUSIC AND STORIES

Stories of resilience and music to start Aboriginal Storytelling Month in P.A.

Jan 31, 2024 | 5:00 PM

February will begin with a host of activities to mark Aboriginal Storytelling Month.

One of those first events happens at Sask Polytech in Prince Albert where Plains Cree storyteller and flute player Jason Chamakese will share his stories and music to those in attendance.

Chamakese, a Pelican Lake First Nation member, began playing in 1998 and started to travel sharing stories and music in 2007. Some of his biggest accomplishments include presenting at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in 2013.

As for why his flute is so important to his storytelling, Chamakese mentioned its because of its long, rich history.

“They’re a traditional instrument found in North America, long before contact and in this style of flute that I play. I also share the story that talks about the origin of this particular style of flute that I play.”

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In 2015, Chamakese suffered a major stroke and was given low odds to survive. He was placed in a coma and on life support. He eventually began a years-long process of recovery and returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in the Cree language from Blue Quills (BQ) University in Alberta in 2021.

He recently completed the Masters of Indigenous Languages Program at BQ and is also a cast member of the APTN/Sportsnet Hockey Night in Canada in Cree broadcasts.

Chamakese shares these stories of resilience and how it motivates him to keep sharing the Cree language and culture.

“These stories essentially give us our identity, give us an idea of where we are in this world, how we fit into this world, who we are as human beings,” he said. “It gives me a better understanding of my idea of where I come from, of the things that I’ve been through personally and the things that my own people have been through. The things that we have overcome, the resilience that we have.”

The storytelling event with Chamakese takes place Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. as attendance is first come, first serve.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com