b'INDIGENOUS STORYTELLINGboard, Zaagigin, an Anishinaabe word that describes when a sprout comes from the earth. Stories created by Indigenous peoples are our root, our being, says Bolduc. The idea of those roots is inter-related to the advisory board and the book. Both the advisory board and the book represent important steps towards reconcilia-tion through Indigenous storytelling. These stories - when Indigenous writers have agency and are able to write stories from their perspective, their voice, their histories and experiencegive dignity back, the ability to find some freedom again within the larger global world, adds Bolduc. She goes on to say, We are not going away. The ability to tell the truth through stories and to have agency over thatthat resonates with me.SAFE SPACESIt is largely thanks to efforts of organiza-tions like Goodminds and the Indigenous Toronto initiative that there is a growing focus on literature from an Indigenous perspective in Canada. Yet what many Canadians may not realize is that it is not just about sharing Indigenous stories; it is also about the creation of a safe space for Indigenous writers, which is an essential part of Indigenous storytelling. Anderson defines this as a place where the Indigenous story and history are honoured. Its a place where you know where Im coming from and have an understanding of this. Residential school trauma, language traumathere are all kinds of trauma where I come from, he says. A safe place is where I feel free to explore the trauma and see the beauty of life ahead of us, and life behind us. Its not all bad, but I have to include that and know that whatever story Im telling will be recognized and accepted.When it comes to looking to the future, adds Anderson, supporting and building aNishnawbe Aski Police relationship with Indigenous storytellers isService is now hiring!essential. We need to honour the history and feel were safe in doing that, he says.Please visit joinnaps.ca for The [Indigenous] publishers and editorsmore information on:have that understanding. You have a story Qualificationsto tell, its in you, you want to get it out Salary & Benefitsand you feel honoured and respected in Candidate Preperation Listdoing that.Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Saugeen Ojibway Nation on the Saugeen Peninsula in Ontario. She is the founding editor, and now managingContact Sgt. Cory Oleschuk, Uniform Recruitment for more information:editor, of Kegedonce Press. Started inContact Sgt. Cory Oleschuk, Uniform Recruitment for more information:1993, Kegedonce Press is one of the few1-800-654-6277 ext. 6593Cory.Oleschuk.naps.caIndigenous publishers in Canada.1-800-654-6277 ext. 6593Cory.Oleschuk.naps.caOntario Native Womens Association69'