All literature is storytelling at its core. Join us for an afternoon of stories from this place, on the banks of the Fraser River. Celebrated Indigenous storytellers, Si:yemiya (Stó:lō from Shxwowhamel) and Kung Jaadee (Haida) share stories and parts of their culture. We are thrilled to partner with the Native Art Renaissance Gallery on Carnarvon Street for this event.
Si:yemiya also known as Albert Sonny McHalsie is from Shxwowhamel, where the river levels and widens. He retired last year in May after working for 40 years with the Stolo Research and Resource Management Centre as the Cultural Advisor/Historian. He has 6 sons and 2 daughters and 11 grandchildren. He continues at his ancestral fishing ground in Aselaw. He operated Bad Rock Tours offering 10 different tours between Surrey and Yale.
Kung Jaadee is a Squamish and Haida storyteller, who has been performing for 33 years. She’s travelled across the country sharing legends and personal stories. She also sings traditional Haida songs. She’s written five picture books and she’s recently co-written a trilogy with her settler friend. 
Beloved New Westminster teacher-librarian, Elaine Su, will lead a special story time to read her new book, Love, Panda. Bring your own stuffy, and after the story we’ll make portraits of our stuffed friends, so they can write letters, just like Panda!