SASKATOON-With the new year, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has begun a six-week pilot for a unique Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence program at the university library.

The storyteller will be involved in creating and participating in opportunities designed to promote intercultural understanding and story-sharing between and among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

"It's so important that we never lose sight that we are on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis and our sense of place is a central part of the university's identity," USask university library dean Charlene Sorensen told Global News.

"The University Library firmly supports USask's Indigenization efforts," said Sorensen. "The Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence pilot program is an important program that will help uplift Indigenous voices and perspectives and facilitate deeper cultural understanding at our university."

Lindsay Knight, a PhD student in the Department of Indigenous Studies at USask, will serve as the first Storyteller-in-Residence at USask. Knight, also known as Eekwol, is an award-winning hip-hop artist with nine album releases to her credit. She recently completed a Canada Council for the Arts granted project titled For Women by Women, which examines Indigenous women in hip-hop.

Sweetmoon Photography

Lindsay Knight will serve as the first Storyteller-in-Residence at USask.

Knight is a recipient of the University of Saskatchewan Aboriginal Graduate Scholarship. She is also a USask alumna, having earned a master's degree in Indigenous studies.

"It is an honor to work with the University Library and be part of this one-of-a-kind opportunity," said Knight. "As an artist, I have always strived to educate myself and others through lyrical storytelling. Being the Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence is a natural evolution for me as it allows me to share my experience as a hip-hop artist, scholar and Indigenous woman."