Indigenous Storyteller in Residence
This program began in 2021 to support the University Library's goal to be an open and inclusive environment that respects and uplifts Indigenous voices and perspectives. Each year, the Indigenous Storyteller in Residence is a member of the University Library and is involved in creating and participating in opportunities to promote intercultural understanding and story-sharing between and among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The residency culminates in a presentation of a project during the university's Indigenous Achievement Week.
2025 Storyteller
Shawn Cuthand is the University Library Storyteller in Residence for 2025.
Shawn Cuthand is a nehiyaw (Cree) and Kanien kehá:ka (Mohawk) writer, comedian, producer, actor and director living in so-called Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory. Currently, he is a part of the satirical news group called The Feather, where he has both on screen and behind the scenes writing and producing roles. The Feather, which recently won the APTN/ImagineNative web series pitch competition, will air for a second season on APTN in June 2025. He has also been closely involved with the Gordon Tootoosis Nikawinan Theatre (GTNT) performing for 4 years in its stage production of A Rez Xmas. In addition to his experiences in the theatre, he has also done voice acting in an audio play released jointly by Burnt Thicket Theatre and GTNT called, Remnance. He also acted in the children’s play Tayen and the Mimi Kwesak, which toured communities throughout Saskatchewan.
Cuthand is also well known as a comedian, performing at the Winnipeg Fringe, Woke Comedy hour, Laughter is Medicine and at comedy clubs across Canada. In 2021, he performed as part of Edmonton’s Grindstone Comedy Competition making it to the final round of the competition. Cuthand and co-collaborator, Danny Knight produced a stand-up comedy show for the YXE Fringe called Full Metal Comedy. The show received 4 stars Star Phoenix in 2021 and was at the Broadway Theatre in 2022 and this past year was awarded best local show of 2023. This past summer they also held the show at the YXE and Vancouver Fringes. Full Metal Comedy is also the name of the open mic comedy show that Shawn and Danny host at the Black Cat Tavern and Art Bar. Currently Shawn is working on a few scripts which he hopes to produce in the future.
Shawn’s residency is set to begin February 3, 2025, and will feature a performance during the university’s Indigenous Achievement Week March 10-14.
To help bring Cuthand’s storytelling to a wider audience, the University Library is continuing a partnership with the Saskatoon Public Library that will see Cuthand perform at one of the Saskatoon Library branches.
Office Hours:
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 12pm - 4pm
Murray Library Room 134
More details on the residency programming coming soon.
