Why Storytelling?

Storytelling and listening is the foundation of so many cultures worldwide but is not often prioritized here in colonial Canada. This event invites us to witness, share stories and stretch our collective understandings.

Join us to hear from four featured storytellers and consider sharing your voice at the open mic. Whether you're sharing or listening, come celebrate the power of storytelling and community connection!

February Storytelling Event Recap

In February, we held our first storytelling event—a gathering of four voices, each representing a different region, uniting to share our stories and deepen our understanding of ourselves. These stories, woven together yet uniquely distinct, spanned many truths: reflections on land acknowledgements and our sacred ties to the land, journeys of reconnecting with culture through family, the complexities of multiple origins and identities, and the experiences of cultural diaspora. Through music, food, vending, and storytelling, the night was alive with richness and connection.

RECORDED STORIES OF THE EVENT

Tuwuxuwult-hw

Tuwuxuwult-hw// Tyrone Elliott is a Cedar Weaver, multi-media artist, a seasoned facilitator, mentor, and... Story-teller? That one’s new, sort of.Everything tells a story; we are all story-tellers. It is the designation that is new, and Tuwuxuwult-hw intends to deconstruct it. Story-telling requires context, a setting, and Tyrone intends to offer one through a deconstruction of generic terms - the terms misheard, misused and/ or misunderstood in every land acknowledgment, first year Indigenous Studies classroom, and in every speech given by an Indigenous person who’s put the money before the horse (or however the saying goes). Mixing in their lived experience, Tyrone will tell a story of settler inconsistencies and their impacts.

Trenton Schulz-Franco

Trenton is of Indo-Germanic descent. The grandson of Jaya Mary Reddy & Dorothy McNee, Trenton is a non-practicing lawyer, ecologist, photographer, canoe guide and cricketer. Above all, a passionate advocate for building inclusive connections between ourselves, the land and one another. Originally from the traditional and ancestral territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ communities and the Lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples on what is now known as Vancouver Island, Trenton is the founder of the Special Bird Service Society (SBS).

Another speaker- a mixed Sahtu-Dene artist, shared about her connection to my maternal grandmother. We send her such a big thank you for being so vulnerable and open with her story, and doing so in a way that left us all impacted.

Alia Izoli

Alia Izoli is an uninvited refugee on the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, born in syria, of Kurdish ancestry.

“Growing up in Damascus during the war, moving to Beirut, and eventually settling in so-called Canada have shaped who I am today.
Through every journey, my culture has remained my anchor, and I can’t wait to share a taste of it with you".

How to Get Involved:

Welcome to Nova Arts Hub Storytelling Night! Share your stories of your great-grandmother, share stories of your awkward first kiss, share stories of your existence on these lands, or just wing it- all is welcome! Whether you're an experienced storyteller or trying it out for the first time, this night is about celebrating the power of voice and shared experiences.

Come as an audience member to support your fellow community members and listen to some stories. The role of the listener is equally important!

How It Works:

  • Participants (audience or storytellers) get their tickets online before the event
  • First bit of the event is reserved to mingling
  • The event will start with a welcome from Lajah (Nova Arts Hub Founder), followed by each of the pre-scheduled storytellers. Each storyteller will be reached out prior to the event and assigned an order.  Each participant will have around  10 minutes to share their story.

What to Expect:

  • Warm Welcome
  • Featured Storytellers: Be invited to listen to four featured storytellers share their lives with us.
  • Community Connection: Unstructured mingling, connecting and reflecting.
  • Open Mic: The floor opens up for the audience to respond to the stories shared and share any lessons they will be taking with them. As an audience member, please be mindful of the space you’re holding and aware of leaving space for others.

Application Process

Apply To Be a Future Storyteller

To sign up as a future storyteller, please fill out this form. Know that this does not guarantee that you will be a storyteller at the next event- your name will be added to the list of future storytellers to be contacted (more information in the link).

Apply To Be An Audience Member

Like any of Nova’s events, please buy your ticket on our website under the tab ‘Events Calendar and Registration’. Due to the sensitivity and intimacy of our events, specific details will be sent to you beforehand with information.

FAQ

Participation and Preparation

Do I need to prepare a story in advance?

No! While featured storytellers will be scheduled in advance, you have the option to share some reflections at the end spontaneously. You are also welcome to come and listen, with no expectations!

If I want to sign up as a storyteller, can I participate if I’ve never told a story before?

Absolutely! This event is for everyone—whether you're an experienced storyteller or trying it for the first time. This is a chance to practice and experiment with storytelling, so we ENCOURAGE you to sign up if this is something new that you would want to try. The focus is on sharing, listening, and community connection.

Logistics and Accessibility

Do I need to register in advance?
Yes, all audience members should get their tickets online before the event.

Is the venue accessible?
Nova Arts Hub aims to be as accessible as possible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please reach out in advance so we can accommodate you. We consider accessibility from the lens of physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental needs. Information on each of these areas are included in our welcome booklet (send out after buying a ticket) Please reach out if you want to read this booklet before buying a ticket.

The space is wheelchair accessible, gender neutral multi stall and private bathroom, and on major bus routes.

What is the event schedule?

  • Arrive & mingle
  • Welcome from Lajah (Nova Arts Hub Founder)
  • Four featured storytellers share their stories
  • Closing reflections & continued mingling

Emotional and Mental Well-Being

What if a story is emotionally heavy?
Storytelling can bring up strong emotions. We encourage respect, care, and mindfulness in both sharing and listening. If you need a break, you’re welcome to step out and rejoin when ready. We do have a small room for folks to go to if they need a private minute. We also encourage you to reach out to us after the event if you need support.

As a storyteller, can I set boundaries around my story?
Yes! If you prefer not to receive feedback or comments after sharing, you can state that beforehand.