As part of the opening ceremonies for the Prince Albert Grand Council's Fine Arts Festival, Rose and Elizabeth Roberts were presented with Star Blankets. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

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Referring to herself as a bit old school, Rose Roberts says the feeling of holding a hard cover version of the book she worked on with her mother, was very satisfying.

Myths and Legends of the Woodland Cree was an idea first raised by Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, who then approached Rose.

“He said I know we are starting to lose out stories, our elders are passing on, and I know your mom is a good storyteller,” she explained.

Around Christmas time last year, Rose went to see her mother and then over the next two hours, collected seven traditional stories. While initially shared in Cree, the words were then transcribed into Engish and the books will be distributed to a number of schools. Rose explained her mother was very open to the idea but did not know which stories to use.

“There’s probably three times as many that she knows so it was like I have to draw the line somewhere because this is a pilot project and I’m not sure how it’s gonna go,” Rose said.

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Vice-Chiefs Joseph Tsannie and Chris Jobb wrap Rose Roberts in the Star Blanket. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The book is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and McNally Robinson has agreed to order copies. There’s also copies available this week at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre, which is hosting the 31st annual PAGC Fine Arts Festival.

During Monday’s opening ceremonies, Rose and her mother were wrapped in Star Blankets. Elizabeth was driven down from Stanley Mission and Rose made the shorter trip from Saskatoon, thinking she was only attending to help honour her mother.

“I was not expecting to be honoured so it was an emotional surprise,” Rose said.

Over 1,500 students and chaperones have converged on Prince Albert this week for the festival and will get exposed to art, dance, drama, and literature. Shoal Lake Chief Marcel Head commented the festival represents the one time each year, the youth can showcase their talents.

In turn, Red Earth Cree Nation Chief Zachary Whitecap said he seen a lot of youth at home in need of a change.

“They get to know as they grow up what it means for them, and also for us as a community,” he said.

“Little Warrior” Keaton Constant was responsible for the Eagle Staff. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

In addition to teaching the youth about very forms of fine arts, another purpose for the festival is to help them meet and mingle with youth from other communities.

“And also for the teachers who need some outings too,” Whitecap commented, adding the lessons and experiences they receive can then be brought back to help the community.

A donation from SSR mining. (Submitted/ Shona Tretiak)

Whitecap also noted a specific proud personal moment, being asked to pose with a group of students for a photo.

Festival coordinator Shona Tretiak thanked all the sponsors and mentioned how planning for the festival started last September and only wrapped up over the weekend.

“But we have fun doing it,” she said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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