Students in Weyburn were treated to presentations yesterday as part of Aboriginal Story Telling Month. The presentations were sponsored by South East Regional Library, Weyburn Public Library and Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples.

Brad Bellegarde, Performer, Storyteller, Journalist and Rapper, a Nakota/Cree member of the Little Black Bear First Nation, told his story with parts told through rap.

Bellegarde says he tells his story "interweaving through the song" because storytelling is deeply rooted in indigenous culture.

"I have been, I would say effectively telling my story and doing music in itself since 2000."

Cora-Lynn Sexton introduced Bellegarde to the students including a presentation of tobacco to him as a symbol of respect.

"Each year, over the past 15 years, libraries in the province of Saskatchewan celebrate Aboriginal Story Telling Month, honouring the age-old tradition of the elders, of storytelling in the cold winter months," explained Sexton as she introduced Bellegarde.

Bellegarde who also goes by the name of Info Red told students how he didn't grow up with wi-fi internet, cellphones and Video game consoles such as the Xbox and PlayStation.

This shocked and surprised the students.

Bellegarde included traditional and modern aboriginal stories promoting respect and honour.

"The presentation was very well received by the students and staff at St. Michael School. Grade 4-9 students were engaged for the entire hour - especially our middle year students. What stood out for many students was his experience performing at the Olympics. He also told about some of the sad experiences his families' past. We were impressed that he could communicate those sadness feelings through something like rap that speaks to so many children," said Tessa Scrupps, Grade 6 Teacher, St Michaels School.

Sexton added that Yellow grass School, St Michaels school and Queen Elizabeth School students had Bellegarde talking to them yesterday. Today Lampman, Ogema and other communities will have him present in their schools.