Developing a Collaborative First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence Program

Abstract: Building on the theme of “Licence to Read,” this session focuses on literacy and expands it from reading to another very relevant way of sharing information and culture, highlighting the importance of storytelling in First Nations communities. Storytelling is an essential part of education and literacy for First Nations peoples. In 2009, the Vancouver Public Library launched a three-year Storyteller in Residence program, funded by the Vancouver Foundation. The program sought to enhance understanding of Aboriginal culture and experience amongst Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences through the sharing of First Nations stories, recognizing the significance that language and stories play in everyday life. The program was designed by library staff using our Writer in Residence program as a model, but staff quickly realized that this model would not be appropriate for First Nations programs. The session will describe how a traditional program, initially planned and developed by library staff, became a community-led program through collaboration directly with the Storytellers