The 11th annual Ut'loo Noye Khnni Weaving Words Celebration is taking place at UNBC.
The event, which ends today, continues to showcase and celebrate aboriginal writers and storytellers while exploring and keeping alive the spirit of oral story telling which is a vital element of indigenous culture and tradition.
"It's unique, what we try to do," said professor Rob Budde.
"This all comes from oral tradition and many of these writers engage with oral tradition even though they write."
Budde has helped organize the event since its inception 11 years ago.
"We need to share these stories, to acknowledge them because they are so important," said Budde.
The celebration was full of various events including an Elders' Story Telling Showcase on Thursday.
Elders were eager to share their stories in celebration of their culture by encouraging those present to explore the importance and appreciation of both written and oral literacy.
This year, guest speakers at the Weaving Words Celebration are Lee Maracle, Monique Gray Smith and Gary Gottfriedson.
Maracle is a member of the Sto:loh. She has published works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry and currently works as a mentor for aboriginal studies at the University of Toronto.
Gray Smith is of Cree, Lakota and Scottish ancestry.
She is an award-winning author and international speaker.
Gottfriedson is a member of the Secwepemc Nation, a poet, teacher and rancher.
He has published works of poetry and children's literature.
The event will continue at a workshop with Monique Gray Smith today from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at UNBC, room 5-155.
A story and song event will conclude the celebration at Shiraz Cafe & Restaurant from 7 to 9 p.m.
All are welcome.
