This year’s Ottawa Children’s Storytelling Festival promises to delight and enthrall kids of all ages. It’s a chance to find comfort in magical worlds: a vital escape for our mental health, and especially for that of our children. We are thrilled to announce that the 27th edition of the Festival, presented by Ottawa StoryTellers (OST), Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and le Cercle des Conteurs et Conteuses de l’Est de l’Ontario (CCCEO), in partnership with Le Conseil des Écoles Catholiques Centre-Est (CECCE), Consortium Centre Jules-Léger (CCJL), and with participation from Odawa Native Friendship Centre, will be held online, November 22 to 27, 2021. The Festival is geared especially for kids aged 0 to 12. The Festival is generously supported by the City of Ottawa and the Province of Ontario.
The teams behind this year’s Ottawa Children’s Storytelling Festival are excited to offer young children an opportunity to hear from a wide variety of storytellers from Ottawa and across Canada:
- Bethany Ellis will recount what makes a “really-truly-friend" and why you should never trust a dancing rabbit.
- Rachel Dunstan Muller adventures on a dark –and –stormy night where things go oh-so-wrong for her brave heroes – until, at the last possible moment, they get the last laugh.
- Chantal Chagnon will share her Cree Ojibwe Métis Stories and Songs to entertain, engage and enlighten.
- Anna Kertz’s tales of surprises, suspense and hilarity will tantalize your ears.
- Venture into the magic and transformative power of stories from China, re-imagined by Diana Tso.
- Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, “T’se Däna” (Beaver Woman) in her native language, will share stories of her relations from the Nacho River in the Yukon Territories.
Storytelling events are organized by age group and language. Some tellers’ events will be available on demand with closed captioning. Others will perform their stories in real time on OPL’s Zoom. Select performances will have American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.
Visit the OST’s websiteor OPL's Kid Zone webpagefor the full schedule and more details. OST’s mission is to promote the art of storytelling, to nurture and inspire both novice and experienced storytellers, and to provide tellers and listeners of all ages with opportunities to come together to share and enjoy narratives that build character and creativity. OPL understands how important stories are for kids and how they drive formal learning by encouraging habits. Stories share social values, teach kids about other cultures, and play an important role in reconciliation, literacy and cultural awareness. This festival is a great opportunity for all children and youth to enjoy the benefits of storytelling, at home or in the classroom. “At the end of the 2020 festival, my boys were bubbling with tales, tripping over one another to recount what they heard! I love to see them collaborate while they stretch their imagination!” said M. Steward, a festival attendee’s parent. “I look forward to this year’s event.”
“My kids are going to the Storytelling Festival as part of our home-schooling language and culture curriculum.” shared M. Lum, a homeschool parent. “My kids are going to do the same digital field trip as the kids at the local school!” Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE), the largest francophone School Board in Ontario, is recognized for the transformation of the learning experience, and its synergy with the community. Le Consortium Centre Jules-Léger (CCJL) has contributed significantly to the advancement of French-language special education in Ontario. Both, CECCE and CCJL are pleased to associate as partners for the francophone components of the Ottawa Children’s Storytelling Festival. There will be stories to suit every imagination and awaken all types of emotions. Tales will bring joyful laughter, suspense and fear, as well as empathy while echoing values shared by the listeners. So, parents and teachers, mark your calendar all programs are free and open to the public. Only the Youth Storyteller Stage event requires registration. For more information visit www.ottawastorytellers.caor BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.
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About OST:Ottawa StoryTellers (OST) is one of the most enduring storytelling organizations in Canada. For more than 35 years, OST has excelled at introducing storytelling into our community, mounting festivals, offering training workshops and mentorships; running multiple series that give storytellers an ongoing opportunity to present their art; and audiences to enjoy oral literature live. Media: childrensstorytellingfestival@ottawastorytellers.ca About OPL: The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is the largest bilingual (English/French) public library system in North America. The OPL extends public access to information and services through the library’s 34 branches, physical and virtual at www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca, as well as two mobile libraries and a vending machine-style lending library service. Serving close to one million Ottawa residents, OPL’s mission is to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people. Follow us on Twitter www.Twitter.com/OPL_BPO and like us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/OPLBPO.Contact us at 613-580-2940 or InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca. If it’s out there, it’s in here!