I loved attending “Storytelling with the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre” at the Aga Khan Park. Anthony Gladue from Kehewin Cree Nation was the first of two featured Indigenous storytellers for this Nuit Blanche event that shared the evening’s line-up with a Whirling Workshop, Haiku reading, and musical performances celebrating the theme of “Unearthing Our Interdependence.”
With a warm smile, Gladue welcomed the audience gathered in a semi-circle around a portable outdoor fireplace to listen to the story of a young man from a forest village who doubts his competence, courage, and worthiness to be loved. On one memorable day, he is the only person who dares to engage with powerful beings who have frightened and scolded his community. Pushed to the edge of terror, the protagonist excavates a beautiful song from deep within. He sings loud and true, astonishing himself and all who listen.
When Gladue performed the unassuming hero’s song, his voice expressed the pain and transformation that come with self-doubt and claiming your spirit in spite of it. As the storyteller explained later, if you feel insecure about your singing, dancing, or hunting like the young man in the story, “Remember to respect the learning process. These skills take time to build.” He added, “Wisdom is learning every day from experience and the choices that you make, good or bad. Spiritual growth comes from doing the right thing as the result of this wisdom. Connect with something outside of yourself and think with your heart.”
My heart is grateful for Gladue’s generosity and kindness when he said, “We sat around a fire together to listen to a story. We’re family now.”
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