ESTEVAN – The Estevan Public Library marked Aboriginal Storyteller Month by bringing in writer and filmmaker Louise BigEagle.
Originally from the Ocean Man First Nations and now residing in Regina, BigEagle showed her film To Wake up the Nakota Language, which is based on the efforts of her late uncle Armand McArthur of the Pheasant Rump First Nations. She noted her uncle wanted to share a love for his language and also create awareness, because not many people speak the language in this province.
“He just wanted people to learn it so that when he leaves, his legacy will be there and the language would also be there around Saskatchewan,” said BigEagle.
She was in Weyburn earlier in the day, and said it’s important to make presentations in relatively close proximity to Pheasant Rump.
“We’re all very close together, and I think to build partnerships, relationships and healthy relationships, it’s a good opportunity to just share these stories and have people ask questions that they may not think to ask or want to ask,” said BigEagle. “I’m here to share what I know and also learn from others and answer questions of what they may want to know in terms of this film.”
Prior to the start of the video, BigEagle talked about herself and her background. Then she answered questions after it was finished.
The Nakota community isn’t a large one, she said, so people often have questions. BigEagle believes there are likely less than “two handfuls” of speakers left in Saskatchewan.
“To me, I think that’s very important. That should be important, not just to Indigenous people, but to Canadians in general because it is a big part of our history.”
BigEagle has also released Sounds of the Sundance, dedicated to those who attended residential schools, and the documentary I Am a Boy, which was created as part of the Regina Indian Industrial School Media Project. She has also worked with the short language documentaries at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon that were released last summer. She will be making another National Film Board documentary this summer.
Her short stories and poems have also been published.
BigEagle said she hasn’t had a film released recently, but thought this would be a good time to get out and speak to communities in honour of Aboriginal Storyteller Month. She hopes people will take the opportunity to attend as many events as possible, and she is glad libraries are hosting these activities.
“Aboriginal storytelling is a part of our traditions and cultures, it’s also a part of Canadian heritage. It’s a huge part of Canadian heritage and everybody should celebrate that, and not just Indigenous people but non-Indigenous people as well. It’s a place to learn and it’s a place to share as well. There’s some things that Indigenous may not know that can be shared at these events.”
Something that is shared at these events can be carried on, she said, because people can leave an event and share it with those who weren’t able to attend.
