The first position of its kind at the University of Saskatchewan and unique in the province, the Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence program at the University Library is slated to begin as a six-week pilot on Jan. 4.
The Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence will be an integral member of the University Library. The storyteller will be involved in creating and participating in opportunities designed to promote intercultural understanding and story-sharing between and among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The residency will culminate in the presentation of a project during the university’s Indigenous Achievement Week in February.
“The University Library firmly supports USask’s Indigenization efforts,” said Charlene Sorensen, acting dean, University Library.
“The Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence pilot program is an important program that will help uplift Indigenous voices and perspectives and facilitate deeper cultural understanding at our university.”
Lindsay Knight, a PhD student in the Department of Indigenous Studies at USask, will serve as the first Storyteller-in-Residence. Knight, also known as Eekwol, is an award-winning hip-hop artist with nine album releases to her credit. She recently completed a Canada Council for the Arts granted project titled For Women by Women, which examines Indigenous women in hip-hop.
Knight is a recipient of the University of Saskatchewan Aboriginal Graduate Scholarship. She is also a USask alumna, having earned a master’s degree in Indigenous studies.
“It is an honour to work with the University Library and be part of this one-of-a-kind opportunity,” said Knight.
“As an artist, I have always strived to educate myself and others through lyrical storytelling. Being the Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence is a natural evolution for me as it allows me to share my experience as a hip-hop artist, scholar and Indigenous woman.”
Knight begins her six-week residency as the University Library’s Storyteller-in-Residence Jan. 4.
Funding for the Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence pilot program was made possible by donors to the University Library.
