PORT ANGELES — Internationally known storyteller and Jamestown S’Klallam elder Elaine Grinnell will appear along with her grandson Haqwenith Grinnell at the next Story Swap this Tuesday.
Admission is free to the 7 p.m. gathering at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
The story swap will begin with Elaine, a carrier of culture for her tribe, who has exchanged her tales with storytellers in Africa, Japan, Australia, Hawaii and Thailand.
“I am honored to be invited to participate with the storytellers at the Port Angeles Library,” said Elaine, who was grand marshal in the 2013 Irrigation Festival parade.
“The loves of my life are my nine grandchildren,” including Haqwenith, who goes by Haq.
He grew up listening to her stories and is now a traditional weaver, skipper of a canoe and lead singer for the Jamestown tribe.
After the Grinnells’ stories will come a refreshment break; then the open mic section follows until
9 p.m.
Elaine offered words of encouragement to those who might share a story at the library — or in private.
“It is my desire for each person to become a storyteller,” she said.
“Record your life for those coming behind you. Maybe you think you don’t have anything to say, but you are so important to those in your family.
“And your story should be told. You do not have to ‘tell’ in public, but at home, driving or written in a book. Life is good.”
For more information about Tuesday’s Story Swap and future storytelling events, visit www.ClallamStoryPeople.org or phone 360-452-8092
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
