Storytellers were in the spotlight last week at Arbor Gallery, proving yet again that stories fascinate young and old alike.
Last Sunday, June 2, as part of the vernissage of the Mosaic exhibition, Elders Archie Martin and Pierrette Schofield-Martin presented a smudging ceremony. Throughout, Elder Martin explained the meaning of the ceremony, which was carried out with dignity and respect. Then, donning the habit of storyteller, Elder Martin regaled the audience – children and adults alike – with Mi’kmaq tales and legends, including the tale about how children of ancient times had raised the sky by lifting it with branches, all around the world, synchronizing their effort to the sound of the drums, much to the delight of the children present.
In the same vein, on Saturday June 8, Karole Dumont-Beckett, National Chief of the Métis Nation of Canada, settled into the storyteller’s chair, navigating between the stories in her books to more general historical, anecdotic and personal stories. She captivated the audience comprising not only local people but visitors from Toronto, Vancouver, and Alberta. With her trademark verve, Dumont-Beckett informed, delighted, fascinated and inspired them for almost two hours.
The Mosaic exhibition has been extended until Sunday, July 28. Arbor Gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 4pm. Saturday hours for the summer are 10am to 4pm. To learn more about events, workshops, concerts and drop-in groups: [email protected], or visit https://www.facebook.com/GalerieArborGallery, or www.arborgallery.org.
