The book "Bad Cree" was written by Cree author Jessica Johns. It won the MacEwan University's Book of the Year and is longlisted for the 2024 CBC Canada Reads. (photo/jessicasbjohns.com)

By Kenneth Cheung

INDIGENOUS STORIES

Sask. Indigenous Storytelling Month brings author Jessica Johns to North Battleford

Feb 14, 2025 | 9:38 AM

As February marks Saskatchewan Indigenous Storytelling Month, Cree author Jessica Johns is set to visit North Battleford on Feb. 26 to share insights from her critically acclaimed novel, Bad Cree, with local audiences.

Johns, a member of Sucker Creek First Nation in Alberta, has received widespread recognition for her debut novel. Bad Cree was shortlisted for the Amazon First Novel Award, won the MacEwan University’s Book of the Year, and is longlisted for the 2024 CBC Canada Reads.

The story follows a young Cree woman whose dreams guide her on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately leading her to confront the lasting impact of violence on her family, community, and the land they cherish.

Jordon Weenie, program manager with Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC), said the book’s haunting blend of horror and coming-of-age themes has resonated deeply with readers, particularly those in an Indigenous-themed book club in the city.

“We read Bad Cree last September, and we’re still talking about it,” he said. “It brings in the Cree language and elements of our culture in a way that’s accessible, even to those outside the Indigenous community.”

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The month is dedicated to sharing Indigenous history, language, and traditions through spoken word, music, theatre, and dance. For Weenie, it is an opportunity to celebrate the richness of Indigenous heritage while fostering connections between cultures.

“There are so many parallels between cultures,” he said. “I once joked about ‘Indian time,’ and a Filipino friend laughed and said they have ‘Filipino time’ too. These little connections remind us we’re all in this together.”

The event, organized in partnership with the North Battleford Library, the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP), and BATC, continues a three-year tradition of showcasing Indigenous authors.

“We’ve had Richard Van Camp and Michelle Good in previous years,” Weenie said.

“We hope to continue this for many more years. Storytelling has so much power—it helps us relate to one another, learn from each other, and understand our shared histories.”

He hopes attendees leave the book reading feeling inspired to embrace storytelling in their own way.

“I want people to go home and write their own stories, make movies, or create music that celebrates their culture,” he said.

“Everyone has a story, and we want to hear it.”

The event will be held at the North Battleford Public Library, with a student session at 1 p.m. and a public session at 6 p.m. For additional information, contact the library at 306-445-3206.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com