YORKTON – In celebration of Indigenous Storytelling Month, author and storyteller, Heather O'Watch, presented at Columbia School the morning of Feb. 10.
This marks O'Watch's second year participating in the month-long event, although she remains dedicated to Indigenous storytelling throughout the year.
During her hour-long presentation, O'Watch shared the story from her children's book, Auntie's Rez Surprise, and introduced students to Plains Indigenous Sign Language (PISL), a language she is actively learning.
"I started learning this language a couple of years ago," said O'Watch in an interview with SaskToday.ca
"I just thought it was a really good way to share with other people and give exposure to a language that is currently being revitalized," said O'Watch.
While she humbly credits others for the revitalization effort, O'Watch is committed to promoting PISL.
"I don't like to take credit for it because I am still a learner but I do learn the language from two gentlemen. One of them is Floyd Favel — he's a Northern Cree artist and he's the one who actually hosts sign language camps every summer," said O'Watch.
O'Watch's passion extends beyond storytelling; she also works in human rights and Indigenous rights globally and is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Policy through the University of Saskatchewan.
"It's quite a big title in a big piece of complicated work," said O'Watch, adding, "it is something that I'm really passionate about in supporting other Indigenous peoples around the world."
Her children's book, Auntie's Rez Surprise, was written in 2020 and published in the fall of 2023. It explores traditional roles, family relationships and the connection Indigenous people have with dogs. The book is also available in Plains Cree, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous languages and culture.
Since the book's release, O'Watch has been visiting schools across Southern Saskatchewan.
When discussing the reception of her book and presentations, O'Watch noted the curiosity and enthusiasm of non-Indigenous audiences.
"I see the curiosity and for many it's the first time they've heard of many of these words or they've ever seen Plains Indigenous Sign Language," said O'Watch.
O'Watch is Cree and Nakoda from Okanese First Nation, with her father being from Carry The Kettle First Nation.
Reflecting on Indigenous Storytelling Month, O'Watch expressed appreciation for the growing participation from school divisions, public libraries, and First Nations communities.
"I think it's a really great show of reconciliation in action. It's been phenomenal to visit rural schools and smaller schools... to come here and share my stories and my book and to see curiosity but more importantly to see reconciliation in action," said O'Watch.
Heather O'Watch's book, Auntie's Rez Surprise, can be ordered online through Second Story Press, local bookstores and Amazon.
