We are Honouring Elders with the 14th ‘Ut’loo Noye Khunni ~ Weaving Words Celebration, which is being held from September 27 through October 1, 2022 at various venues around Prince George, BC. We are thrilled to announce that this year’s featured storytellers include Garry Gottfriedson, Joanne Arnott, Rhonda Lee McIsaac, Phyllis & Ivy Chelsea, Rhonda Girard, Lilet & Soogah, and others. Event-specific details are below the overview poster. If/when event details are finalized or updated, the information will be posted here and published on our Facebook page (check out the event pages).

Poster showing the overview of the 2022 WWC schedule of events.
Book Launch: Bent Back Tongue by Garry Gottfriedson

Join Garry Gottfriedson as we celebrate the release of his new poetry collection, Bent Back Tongue.
Copies of Bent Back Tongue will be available for sale (cash-only) at the event.

Indigenous Writers’ Salon with Joanne Arnott

Joanne Arnott will be hosting a virtual Indigenous Writers’ Salon, featuring Chris Bose and Jonina Kirton. This is part of a larger project that Joanne is working on with a group of 12 Indigenous writers.

Zoom Details
Topic: Indigenous Writers’ Salon with Joanne Arnott
Time: Sep 28, 2022 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://unbc.zoom.us/j/61588580858?pwd=ZzUrV2pkc2hTWndUR2RDUHhwTGZZdz09
Meeting ID: 615 8858 0858
Passcode: 603473

Poster for the Robert Frederick Gallery Naming Ceremony on Sept. 28, 2022.

This special event celebrates the renaming of the UNBC Rotunda Gallery as the Robert Frederick Gallery in honour of the late Lheidli Elder, carver, educator, and storyteller. The ceremony will include the Khast’an Drummers, Kyle Sam, Edie Frederick, and Jennifer Pighin.
Traditional foods will be served at the reception.

Join us live from 6:00 – 7:00!
Topic: Robert Frederick Gallery Renaming
Time: Sep 28, 2022 05:30 PM Vancouver
Join Zoom Meeting
https://unbc.zoom.us/j/67383374007
Meeting ID: 673 8337 4007
Passcode: 655601

A Celebration of Story

Stories are told in countless ways – spoken, written, poetic, musically, visual and material arts, film, performance arts, etc. Join us as we celebrate a variety of storytelling mediums.
Featuring Joanne Arnott, Lorrie Adams, Rhonda Lee McIsaac, and more.

Exploring Indigenous Identity

Dr. Jessie King will facilitate a conversation about Indigenous identity, including the opportunities for and challenges with exploring one’s identity. She will be joined by Joanne Arnott, Metis Elders, and Rhonda Lee McIsaac.
We encourage a kind, compassionate, and respectful dialogue among the participants.

The First Salmon Run: Storytime & Author Talk

Join debut Metis author, Rhonda Girard, as she reads from her new book The First Salmon Run: The Bear Cubs’ Adventure. After reading her book, Rhonda will discuss her journey of creating the book and answer questions from the audience.
This is a great family-friendly event! 

Sobriety & Leadership: Healing Intergenerational Trauma

Sobriety and Leadership will share how Alkali Lake’s sobriety began its healing journey with Phyllis Chelsea and then with the support of Chief Andy Chelsea. The spiritual Secwepmc belief of “Knucwentwecw” (supporting one another in the community) allowed for intergenerational trauma healing to begin. Leadership is a part of Knucwentwecw, treat everyone as equals and honour each one as an equal. Phyllis and Ivy will share their commitment in their individual journeys from 1970 to the present.
The book, Resolve: The Story of the Chelsea Family and the First Nation Community’s Will to Heal, will be available for sale at the event. (Cash-only sales.)

Honouring Elders Dinner

In this final event for the 2022 Weaving Words Celebration, we will gather with Elders and other community members to share food, stories, memories, and laughter.
Featured guests include Phyllis and Ivy Chelsea, Rhonda Lee McIsaac, Lilet & Soogah, and more.
Entertainment is NOT child-friendly.
Seating is limited.

For more information about the Weaving Words Celebration, or if you’re interested in getting involved with the planning and delivery of the Weaving Words Celebration, please contact the coordinator at storyteller@unbc.ca.