Cree Family Revives Cultural Stories Through Art Collaboration

In a heartfelt collaboration, Cree grandfather Solomon Ratt and his granddaughter Ailah Carpenter have united to share traditional stories of the cultural hero Wisahkicahk. This initiative not only aims to preserve Cree narratives but also strengthens familial bonds through creativity. Ratt, a retired professor of Indigenous languages at the First Nations University in Regina, enlisted Carpenter, an arts student in Saskatoon, to illustrate the stories he learned from his mother.

Ratt expressed his hope that this project would help his granddaughter connect with her heritage. “This was a good way of getting my granddaughter to read the stories and come to know the stories that were from my mother to me to my granddaughter,” he said. The new booklet features a series of tales that Ratt recalls from his childhood, particularly from a time before he attended residential school in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Reviving Lost Narratives

Reflecting on his childhood, Ratt noted that he missed many storytelling opportunities due to his time away at residential school, where stories were often shared only during winter months in Indigenous communities. He now aims to ensure that his grandchildren and other young people learn from these narratives. “They also have philosophies on how to live, which we can all use as adults, and how to treat each other, how to raise our families, how to treat our mates. Those lessons are in the stories,” said Ratt.

For Carpenter, illustrating the stories was a profound experience. She dedicated time to research the historical accuracy of the tools and clothing depicted in her artwork. “It was an intense and personal process to do the illustrations,” she said, adding that she enjoyed discovering the metaphorical meanings embedded in the tales. The project not only allowed her to deepen her understanding of her cultural roots but also enriched her relationship with her grandfather.

Carpenter, who previously created Cree flashcards for the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre, recognizes the broader impact of storytelling. “I feel storytelling has more reach because of how engaging it is,” she remarked. She is committed to continuing this type of art that honors the Cree language and culture. “I want to do my best to carry such things forever and onwards as long as I’m working as an artist,” Carpenter stated.

Celebrating Indigenous Storytelling Month

In celebration of Indigenous Storytelling Month in February, Ratt shared excerpts from the stories in a social media video, reading them in Cree to promote language retention among children. He believes that hearing the language can help children understand it over time. “It’s our way back into the past… It’s our way to the future,” Ratt emphasized, underscoring the importance of integrating these stories into educational settings.

This collaborative project between Ratt and Carpenter not only serves as a creative endeavor but also as a vital step in cultural preservation. Their work embodies a commitment to passing down invaluable teachings and philosophies that can benefit future generations, ensuring that the wisdom of the past continues to resonate in the lives of young people today.