Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
The VPL Indigenous Storyteller in Residence program was created in 2008 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the importance of storytelling as a way to learn about and from Indigenous communities in Vancouver. Through the Storyteller in Residence, we seek to honour Indigenous cultures and to promote intercultural understanding and communication. Storytelling can happen through a variety of mediums and narrative practices, and therefore this residency is open to all Indigenous storytellers who wish to share their knowledge and history.
VPL recognizes that sincere action to decolonize our practices and to centre Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices is needed. The Indigenous Storyteller in Residence program is essential to the library's public programming.
You can find upcoming Indigenous Storyteller in Residence events here.
Current Storyteller in Residence
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Chris Bose
2025 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
Chris Bose is a writer, musician and multi-disciplinary artist hailing from Kamloops, B.C. A member of the Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc Nations, Chris has been a professional storyteller for almost 30 years. His work has been published in a variety of publications and exhibited in galleries. He has also shared traditional Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc stories at schools, festivals, and cultural events across Canada.
The stories I share come from my grandmother and grandfather, my Yeah Ya7 and Spa7 Pu La7. They were revered storytellers who travelled across Canada in the 1970s, and I now continue their legacy.
I’m looking forward to sharing these stories and my culture to help others – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – find their voice.
Contact Us
Upcoming Events
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Vancouver Public Library is honoured to introduce Chris Bose as the 2025 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence. Chris Bose is a writer, musician and multi-disciplinary artist hailing from Kamloops, B.C. A member of the Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc Nations, Chris has been...
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Central Library -
Join Chris Bose, the 2025 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence, as he guides us through his songwriting and recording process in this workshop. Discover the tools available in the Inspiration Lab, including microphones, digital recording software, and studio equipment, to help...
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Central Library -
If Only I Were an Indian... accompanies three Indigenous elders from Manitoba on a voyage to the Czech Republic as they relive their past through the native rituals and costumes adopted by their European admirers. Hesitation gives way to humour...
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Central Library
Watch Past Storyteller Event Replays
Opening Event with Joseph Kakwinokanasum, 2024 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
Indigenous Storyteller in Residence Finale
Introducing Les George: 2023 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
Kalup George: Keeping the Language
Les George: Virtual Field Trip
Tsleil-Waututh Teaching and Traditions: Regalia
Tsleil-Waututh Teaching and Traditions: Drums
Coast Salish Anthem
Story of Waut-Salk
Story Stream: Les George
Les George: Indigenous Storyteller in Residence Finale
Sam George Jr: Truth Comes Before Reconciliation
Introducing Eden Fine Day: 2022 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
Eden Fine Day Virtual School Visit
nēhiyawēwin: Indigenous Language Revitalization with Elder Dorothy Visser
Decolonizing the Media with Kelsie Kilawna of IndigiNews
Introducing Kung Jaadee: 2021 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
Haida songs and stories with Kung Jaadee
The Body Song (Haida/English)
I Love You Song (Haida/English
You Are My Sunshine (Haida/English)
Indigenous Storyteller in Residence Booklist
Past Storytellers in Residence
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2024 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
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2023 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
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2022 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
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2021 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
