Kung Jaadee

Discipline: Storytelling
Homebase: Vancouver
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid, Vancouver Island North, Interior, North, Remote, Kootenays, Virtual
Languages: English, Xaad Kil (Haida language)
Themes: First Nations, Inuit, and/or Metis Art
Grant Eligibility: Eligible for 70% AIE

Kung Jaadee (Roberta Kennedy) is a professional storyteller, educator and published author belonging to the Haida, Musqueam and Squamish First Nations. For 30 years, she has performed traditional Haida legends teaching universal messages while also sharing personal stories about the history and hardships of her people. She has performed at hundreds of schools and festivals across Canada and is a published author of the children's books, "Raven's Feast," "Gifts from Raven," and two curriculum textbooks, "Haida Nation: Indigenous Communities in Canada" and "We Are Home." Over the past couple of years, she has learned Squamish Stories from her uncle and elder, Bob Baker(S7aplek, Hawaiian name is Lanakila), who is the co-founder and spokesperson for Spakwus Slolem (the Eagle Song Dancers). She has performed these stories live and virtually in schools, festivals, conferences and cultural events throughout B.C.

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Performance(s)

Haida Stories

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Music, Storytelling
Offered Languages: English, Xaad Kil (Haida language)
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 45 min + 15-min Q&A
Capacity: 500
Tech Requirements: PA, speakers, microphone and boom stand
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

In her live storytelling performance, Kung Jaadee will share her telling of a few famous Haida legends about Raven (Yaahl), the creator of the world, and their universal teachings. Enjoy the stories of "Raven Brings the Water," Raven's Brings the Light" and "Raven's Feast." She also shares some traditional Raven songs while using her drum, teaches some basic words in Xaad Kil (Haida language), and shows her traditional regalia. Includes a Q&A to discuss Haida culture, traditions and history. Inquire with Kim at bookings@pebblestarartists.com for flexible pricing for multiple shows/day at the same school. A combination of Haida & Squamish Stories is also available if interested. Live virtual storytelling sessions are available for $500 for 60-minutes including a Q&A and can be delivered through Zoom, Teams or Google Meet. A series of professionally pre-recorded Haida Stories and Squamish Stories are available for classes and schools for school-year access through the Arts IQ platform at www.artsiq.ca/kung-jaadee.

Squamish Stories

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Storytelling
Offered Languages: English, Xaad Kil (Haida language)
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 45 min + 15 min Q&A
Capacity: 500
Tech Requirements: Sound system, speakers, microphone with a boom stand and a chair
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

In her live storytelling performance, Kung Jaadee will share her telling of Squamish legends popularized by Indigenous activist and poet E. Pauline Johnson's book, "Legends of Vancouver." The legends she'll share may include Siwash Rock; the Two-Headed Sea Serpent; Two Sisters (The Lions mountains); and how the Squamish People Came to Be. Includes a Q&A. Inquire with Kim at bookings@pebblestarartists.com for flexible pricing for multiple shows/day at the same school. A combination of Haida & Squamish Stories is also available if interested. Live virtual storytelling sessions are available for $500 for 60-minutes including a Q&A and can be delivered through Zoom, Teams or Google Meet. A series of professionally pre-recorded Squamish Stories and Haida Stories are available for classes and schools for school-year access through the Arts IQ platform at www.artsiq.ca/kung-jaadee.

Workshop(s)

ReconciliACTION Workshop

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Storytelling, Writing
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: 4 - 12
Duration: 60-90 min
Capacity: 30
Available Formats: In Person

First Nations storyteller, author and educator Kung Jaadee will lead students in an engaging workshop on how to create their own ReconciliACTION plans. Belonging to the Haida, Squamish and Musqueam nations, Kung Jaadee grew up in Haida Gwaii off reserve and attended public schools in Massett. During her childhood, she experienced overt racism at school and was bullied by settler students who called her names and projected stereotypes onto her and other Haida kids. Through her journey into adulthood and her work as a storyteller and teacher over the past 30 years, she has learned to love herself and embrace her Indigenous cultures, traditions and histories. In this workshop, she will lead a thoughtful discussion dispelling the stereotypes that have been placed upon Indigenous people for generations. She will summarize the key points of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and discuss the Calls to Actions and the 6 Actions of ReconciliACTION: To Learn, Understand, Explore, Recognize, Take Action, and Teach Others. Using the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s ReconciliACTION plan template, students will work with Kung Jaadee to create their own actionable plan to combat prejudice and eliminate discrimination, while also promoting tolerance, understanding and good relations with indigenous peoples. Daily rate includes up to 3 workshops/day with a max of 30 students (depending on length of workshop). Recommended classroom pre-reading requirement and discussion: UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; 6 Actions of ReconciliACTION; Calls to Action

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Testimonials & Reviews

I strongly recommend Kung Jaadee as her performances are fun, engaging and didactic. She teaches students to appreciate the Haida culture and to live with good moral values through her stories and teachings. Hai Ree Moon, Vancouver teacher

You were awesome at school today. You have an awesome singing voice, very talented. Thank you for sharing your rich culture with us. We are truly blessed for the opportunity to listen to your stories. Cissy, Teacher

Kung Jaadee is a compelling storyteller. Her performance weaves together traditional Haida stories, songs, and contemporary Haida life. She will introduce you to a magnificent culture that has survived difficult times and is now being restored to its rightful place. You'll laugh with her, you might cry a little bit, and you will come away with a deeper understanding of the power of art, myth and tradition. Izabella Laba

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