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.
Applications for the 2025 Storyteller in Residence are open until December 21, 2024.
See the Residency Information and How to Apply accordions below for more information.
If you have questions about the program or application process, please contact Dylan Schroeder at: dylan.schroeder@vpl.ca
Current Storyteller in Residence
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Joseph Kakwinokanasum
2024 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
Joseph Kakwinokanasum is a member of the James Smith Cree Nation and grew up in the Peace region of northern B.C. His debut novel, My Indian Summer, is loosely based on his own childhood and was the winner of the 2023-2024 First Nations Communities READ Award and shortlisted for the 2023 ReLit Award for fiction. Other accolades include being named one of The Writers Trust of Canada’s Rising Stars of 2022 and a finalist for CBC’s Nonfiction Prize in 2020.
As storytellers, we honour our ancestors with the legends and tales passed down to us. No matter what culture you come from, storytelling has always been a social tool that builds community and understanding.
I believe that strength and honour are elemental when it comes to storytelling, and that storytelling is a way to gain personal power. I'm looking forward to working with the community to help others discover this power and share their stories.
In his role as the Indigenous Storyteller in Residence, Kakwinokanasum spent part of his time developing a new writing project – a dark, gritty, horror fantasy that builds upon some of the Indigenous ghost stories he learned as a child. Kakwinokanasum also hosted writing workshops, consults and events to support emerging writers and storytellers in developing their craft.
Contact Us
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events for this program. Please check back.
Residency Information
Are you an Indigenous storyteller who wants to share their knowledge, craft, and cultural history with the people of Vancouver? If so, we want to hear from you! The Vancouver Public Library is seeking a full-time Indigenous Storyteller in Residence for February 17 to May 25, 2025.
This position plays a unique and valuable role at the Library, using storytelling or other narrative tools as a way to highlight and share Indigenous traditions and contemporary culture. The Indigenous Storyteller in Residence will develop and lead exciting public events that promote intercultural understanding and sharing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. They will support and provide advice to community members and aspiring storytellers through group workshops.
This full-time position (35 hours/week) requires 50 percent of the Storyteller’s time be spent on library programs or projects, leaving 50 percent of the residency time available for working on their personal creative projects.
The Library would like to hear from you if you are:
- An Indigenous storyteller, artist, writer, or performer – in any medium, including music, digital media, print, theatre, etc. – ideally living in or with strong community connections in the Lower Mainland.
- Enthusiastic about developing, presenting, and sharing your knowledge and culture through events at Vancouver Public Library and in the community. These events may be held online or in person.
- Committed to participating in Vancouver Public Library and City of Vancouver events.
- Available on a full-time basis in Vancouver, from February 17 to May 25, 2025 and a to be agreed upon two week period prior to these dates for pre-residency prep.
In addition to your storytelling and public speaking experience you must also be able to:
- Work independently and as part of a team with library staff, via either in-person or online environments, such as Zoom.
- Comfortably interact with members of Vancouver’s diverse public, including youth and seniors.
- Deliver programs online. VPL staff provide support for delivery of online programs, including necessary space and equipment.
- Participate in media opportunities to promote the residency, the library and storytelling.
The Storyteller in Residence will have four main responsibilities:
- Develop a unique and culturally relevant personal project that can be shared with the Vancouver community through VPL. This may be shared in numerous ways including through a performance, social media, the library collection, a visual exhibit, or more.Spend time developing their own story material or project.
- Lead informative and compelling events and other relevant programs to share their story, and culture with the general public at the Central Library, branch libraries, and other community locations.
- Support and assist new storytellers through personal meetings and group workshops.
We welcome applications from all Indigenous persons who have a story to tell.
Contract terms: $22,000 for four months full-time activity ($2,750 biweekly on a self-employed basis).
Contract dates: February 17 to May 25, 2025 (and an additional two week prep period prior to these dates—exact dates tbd)
How To Apply
Please send us:
- A resume outlining your relevant qualifications and experience.
- A cover letter expanding on your experience.
- A brief description of the creative project you intend to pursue – please explain how a residency at the Vancouver Public Library and access to its resources will benefit your project.
- A brief outline of the public events you will offer during your residency, including your plans for engaging community members and aspiring storytellers.
- Please explain how you envision your Residency will make a lasting contribution to the Vancouver Public Library and to our diverse community at large.
- Contact information for three references.
Expressions of interest may be emailed in single PDF file to programs@vpl.ca or mailed to:
Attention: Indigenous Storyteller in Residence Search Committee
Programming & Learning Department
Vancouver Public Library
350 West Georgia Street
Vancouver BC V6B 6B1
Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. (PST) on December 21.
If you have questions please contact Dylan Schroeder at dylan.schroeder@vpl.ca
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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2023 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
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2022 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
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2021 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
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2020 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence