New Brunswick·Ann’s Eye
See how a day of storytelling among New Brunswick First Nations unfolded.
Elders, artists and knowledge keepers from several First Nations in N.B. gather for a day of connectionCBC News
· Posted: Apr 07, 2024 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: April 7
At the Standing Together symposium hosted by Atlantic Ballet Canada, elders, knowledge keepers and artists came together to share stories. (Ann Paul/CBC)This is part of a series called Ann’s Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You can see more Ann’s Eye pieces by clicking here.
Ann Paul calls her mother, Elder Maggie Paul, an encyclopedia.
Indigenous storytelling, Ann says, is an act of truth-telling. At Atlantic Ballet Canada’s Standing Together symposium in March, people came together in Moncton from several First Nations to pass down knowledge and share stories of bravery, strength and courage.
“That’s how we look at our people,” Ann said. “Just because it’s not in an encyclopedia doesn’t mean it’s not true.”
WATCH | See a room come alive with Indigenous storytelling:
The power of Indigenous storytellingArtists, elders and knowledge keepers from Mi’kmaw, Wolastoqey and Peskotomuhkati nations gathered with Indigenous people in Moncton for Atlantic Ballet Canada’s Standing Together Symposium.
Scroll through the photos and watch the video to see what Ann saw.
Hearing stories from older generations first-hand is more impactful, says Ann Paul. (Ann Paul/CBC)
‘When we sit in a circle and share all our stories, that’s our encyclopedia-sharing moment,’ Paul says. (Ann Paul/CBC)
These are the ballet slippers that were used during a performance at the beginning of the symposium about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. (Ann Paul/CBC)
Stories are not all about violence, Paul says. There’s also joy and laughter. (Ann Paul/CBC)
Elder Maggie Paul ‘sending everybody off in a good way,’ Paul says, with a travelling song and a dance. (Ann Paul/CBC)Ann’s EyePhotographer Ann Paul brings an Indigenous lens to stories from First Nations communities across New Brunswick. Click here or on the image below to see more of her work.
