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FOLLOW US
January 13, 2026
Aadizookaan: Winter Storytelling Gathering
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, join us for a winter storytelling gathering rooted in First Nations tradition with MC Rylee Nepinak, and storytellers Elder Margaret Lavallee, Jason Bone, Dennis Chartrand and Jason Parenteau. Doors open at 9:25 am.
The event will be held at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People (2 Forks Market Road).
This event is now full to capacity and we are unable to accept more registrations. Thank you for your interest!
Full Program Available Here:
About the Presenters
Jason Bone is a cultural facilitator at Manitoba First Nation Education Resource Centre. He graduated from the university of Manitoba with a Masters of Arts, and a Bachelor of Arts, Indigenous Governance, from the university of Winnipeg. Jason is from Keeseekoowenin First Nation, near riding mountain national park. His cultural knowledge comes from the midewin teaching lodge, and from being an oshkaabewis (helper/writer) to the late Midewid(one who works with the sound of the drum) Ron Indian Mandamin (Iban).
Dennis Chartrand, a member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe (formerly known as Pine Creek). He currently works at NCI FM and hosts Da Minos Music Lodge Monday to Thursday evenings from 8 pm to 9 pm. He has also worked with the University of Winnipeg’s WiiChiiwaakanak Learning Centre, Indigenous Engagement, and the Oral History Centre, U of Manitoba, Indigenous Languages of Manitoba, NCI, and Mazinaate Publishing on an Indigenous Language radio show entitled ‘Aakoziiwigamig: An Ojibwe Radio Drama’. Chartrand is as known as voicing Darth Vader in the Ojibwe-dubbed Star Wars film, “Anangong Miigaading: A New Hope’.
Rylee Nepinak is a proud Anishinaabe who grew up off-reserve in Winnipeg’s North End and is a member of Sagkeeng First Nation in Treaty 1 Territory.
Rylee is one of the Co-Founders of Anishiative, a grassroots community organization that connects Indigenous youth to land-based education, Inner-city cultural and mental wellness opportunities.
Motivated by a state of emergency In Tataskewayak Cree Nation, Nepinak cycled across Canada raising money and promoting awareness about Indigenous youth suicide. Nepinak finished his journey in 40 days.
Rylee has also been involved in supporting relatives experiencing houselessness by means of coordinating the community warming tipis at the Thunderbird House every winter. The efforts of which helped lead to the beginning stages of an Indigenous-led warming space for houseless relatives called N’dinawemak.
Practicing lateral kindness, reclaiming identity, and promoting Indigenous youth voices are the driving forces behind Rylee’s mission here on Turtle Island.
Margaret Lavallee is an Anishinaabe Ikwe from Sagkeeng First Nation and an Elder in Residence at Ongomiizwin Education from the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing at Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.
Margaret’s experience comes from over 40 years in varied Human Relations responsibilities within the health care field. Margaret holds a degree in Bachelor of General Studies from Brandon University. She was also honoured by the University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences with an honorary doctorate degree for her lifelong work for the Indigenous community in the health care field.
Margaret’s role as Elder in Residence for the last 17 years ensures Indigenous knowledge and world views are incorporated into all levels of student support at the University of Manitoba. Margaret assists with research, classroom presentations, and traditional cultural teachings for both staff and learners.
Jason Parenteau, a Lenape man born in Vancouver, a member of Moravian of the Thames Delaware Nation, and a recognized member of the Indigenous community in Manitoba. He has worked with Manitoba Justice and Dakota Ojibwe Child and Family Services providing culturally appropriate services. He founded the Roseau River Jiu Jitsu Club and he operates Miikwan Consulting & Indigenous Education.
