As a part of the Aboriginal Storytelling Month hosted by Southeast Regional Library and Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) Michele Amy, Dale McArthur and Pierre Tinant visited Pleasantdale School on Monday.
Many engaged and excited students gathered at the gymnasium to meet with the performers and storytellers.
Métis fiddle educator, storyteller, and English teacher Michele Amy along with her long-time friend guitarist Pierre Tinant, played some traditional Métis music, intertwining songs with stories of the Métis nation.
While most children probably didn’t know the rhythms, they still would tap their heels or move along with playful music. Amy’s fiddling style is diverse and includes a strong focus on the musical traditions of the Métis people, as well as both heritage and new Canadian fiddle music from coast to coast to coast.
The first two artists were followed by Dale McArthur, who is known professionally as Dale Mac. He is an Indigenous songwriter and blues/roots/rock guitarist from the White Bear First Nation and based in Regina. McArthur played the guitar, sang and told stories about his art. His art is based around Canadiana while promoting his style of music and positive lifestyle, and many of them were resonating with the youth audience.
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling Month is funded by Community Initiatives Fund, SaskCulture, Saskatchewan Arts Board, Access Copyright Foundation, Government of Saskatchewan, SaskPower, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and SaskTel.
