Meet VPL's 2021 Indigenous storyteller in residence, Kung Jaadee, February 18
Born in Haida Gwaii, Kung Jaadee is a member of the X̱aayda (Haida), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations
Kung Jaadee.
Introducing Kung Jaadee: 2021 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence takes place February 18 from 7 pm to 8 pm PST.
THE VANCOUVER PUBLIC Library is hosting an online event for people to meet its new Indigenous storyteller in residence, Kung Jaadee.
The February 18 event includes storytelling and drumming with the member of the X̱aayda (Haida), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations. It will open with a traditional welcome by Squamish Elder Bob Baker.
Originally from the village of Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, Kung Jaadee has performed throughout Canada and the United States since 1996. In an effort to help preserve and revitalize her ancestral dialect, she has taught the Haida language to kids and adults through her writing and storytelling.
Kung Jaadee means Moon Woman in Xaad Kil. Her cousin Crystal Robinson gave her the traditional name in 2008 at a memorial potlatch honouring her great uncle.
“I did not choose to be a storyteller, it chose me,” Kung Jaadee says. “For decades, performing for audiences of all ages across Canada has allowed me to share traditional Haida legends and my own personal stories from my birthplace, Haida Gwaii. I’m honoured to be taking on this new role and sharing Indigenous culture and teachings with the diverse Vancouver community.”
Kung Jaadee has several online programs and events planned for the coming months, including storytelling workshops and performances, a film screening, a virtual potluck, and more.
VPL created its Indigenous storyteller in residence program in 2008 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and of the importance of oral storytelling as a way to learn about and from Indigenous communities in Vancouver.
The evening with Kung Jaadee is free; registration isn’t required but appreciated. More information is at VPL.
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