Sharon Shorty is storyteller in residence at Vancouver library
Yukoner is seeking inspiration from landmarks tied to her family history
A Yukoner has finished her first month as the Aboriginal Storyteller in Residence at the Vancouver Public Library.
Sharon Shorty, a member of the Tlingit First Nation and Northern Tutchone, says she was looking for inspiration.
"I've been [telling stories for] twenty-something years and I just wanted to get re-invigorated," she said.
As the storyteller in residence, Shorty has had the opportunity to share her stories — many passed down from her grandmothers — at a day camp for teenagers and at a public event, but there's also been time to explore the city.
The Lion's Gate Bridge holds a particular appeal for Shorty, as her dad used to work there, and she likes the symbolism of bridging the community with First Nations culture.
Shorty said the first month of her residency has passed at "hyper speed," but she still has three to go.
The Vancouver Public Library selects one storyteller for its residency program every year.