Crow brought light, Animal Mother birthed and named the animals, and Smart Beaver Man made the world safe. Life began in the Yukon. Our Stories tell of flood, endless winter, starvation, visitors from the stars and what it means to live a good life. Children would haul wood for promise of a Story. They tell our history, outline laws, and connect us with all creation.
Today, Yukon First Nations are working to revitalize our Storytelling culture. The Indigenous Knowledge Research Chair program seeks to assist this journey. The Stories and Storytellers are to be deeply respected. We must learn how to walk and work in a good way, build relationships, and earn trust. This project is about providing capacity, increasing access to documented Stories and creating regular, culturally rooted opportunity to experience traditional Storytelling and for Storytellers to share their Stories.
For us, we are exploring the art of Storytelling and the practice of listening with love. Our space aspires to include language, art, song, ceremony, land and story. As the project evolves and we come to know how to walk with our Stories, we can explore the role of Storytelling in decision-making, planning and evolving governance and education.
This work is guided by a knowledge keepers committee with the Northern Council for Global Cooperation.
Opportunities to experience Yukon Indigenous Storytelling will be offered at events, such as, Adaka and the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation Dance Festival. Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge, Jocelyn Joe-Strack welcomes new partnerships and Storytelling opportunities.