Full Description
WINNER OF THE 2022 NORTHWORDS BOOK AWARD
Stories are medicine. During a time of heightened isolation, bestselling author Richard Van Camp shares what he knows about the power of storytelling—and offers some of his own favourite stories from Elders, friends, and family.
Gathering around a campfire, or the dinner table, we humans have always told stories. Through them, we define our identities and shape our understanding of the world.
Master storyteller and bestselling author Richard Van Camp writes of the power of storytelling and its potential to transform speakers and audiences alike.
In Gather, Van Camp shares what elements make a compelling story and offers insights into basic storytelling techniques, such as how to read a room and how to capture the attention of listeners. And he delves further into the impact storytelling can have, helping readers understand how to create community and how to banish loneliness through their tales. A member of the Tlicho Dene First Nation, Van Camp also includes stories from Elders whose wisdom influenced him.
During a time of uncertainty and disconnection, stories reach across vast distances to offer connection. Gather is a joyful reminder of this for storytellers: all of us.
Contents
LET'S GET COOKING AND SHARING
1. A Miracle Story
2. Heaven Is Like West Edmonton Mall
3. What Is It about Storytelling that GetsThis Ancient Blood of Mine Roaring?
4. Welcome to "The Greyhound"and Why Stories Matter
5. Disconnection
6. How to Be a Great Cook
7. Now You're Cooking
8. Listen and Volunteer
9. Embrace the Technology /Share the Stories
10. Camping Challenge
11. Being a Guest: What to Bring
12. Being a Good Guest: What to Do
13. Where Is Your Television?
14. Get Connecting
15. Be Real
16. Be Curious
17. A Good Storyteller Is Mindful of Time
18. The Art of the Introduction
19. Interviewing Your Elders to Reclaima Good Teaching Story
20. What Story Do You Need for Peace?
21. Contemporary IndigenousStorytelling and Honouring the LateTrevor Evans with Stories
22. The Circle of Life
THE CHEAT SHEET!
23. The Cheat Sheet! A.K.A. Uncle RichardVan Camp's Storytelling Tips
STORYTIME
24. We Are All Related
25. Spirit Stories
26. A Transformative Story
27. A Miracle War Story
PROMPTS AND HOW-TOs TO GET YOU GOING
28. Now Go Forth, Storytellers,and Participate!
29. How to Host a CommunityStorytelling Event
30. Protocol When Inviting a VisitingArtist, Elder, or Knowledge Keeperas a Guest to Your School
AFTERWORDS
31. Six Pounds
32. Wrapping Up in a Good Way, BetterThan We Found Each Other
Thank You
Acknowledgements
Resources
