Antoinette Botsford
9538 8th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98117
206.782.1539
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A professional storyteller since 1988, Antoinette Botsford holds a Ph.D. from UCLA in theater history and is chair of the Oral History Project on Orcas Island, an activity that ties workshops she offers in writing and telling stories from personal histories. Her storytelling draws extensively from her French-Canadian/Metis heritage, a fertile source of tales she describes as being "traditional and true."
Animals as Teachers: Mythology, Folklore, and Earth Wisdom - 2008-2009
In the world of stories, animals often represent humans and speak to the values that are important to individual cultures and the earth in general. Antoinette Botsford retells such classics as “White Bear King Valemon,” which inspires persistence and faith, as well as “The World Children,” which embraces the mystery of interspecies communication and the importance of passing family stories down through the ages. These stories are chosen to help generate respect for the wisdom of the past, a greater understanding and appreciation of the indigenous cultures of the world, and an expanded appreciation for animals and human stewardship.
Talking Quilts, Hidden Stories: The Bible Quilts of Harriet Powers - 2006-2009
Former slave Harriet Powers is remembered for two appliquéd story quilts made up of individual squares based on stories from the Bible, interwoven with African folklore, cosmological themes, and historical events that occurred during Powers’ lifetime. Antoinette weaves a story of Powers’ life and spiritual philosophy as reflected in her quilts. In telling Harriet’s story, Botsford tells something of the Underground Railroad, the hardships of slavery, and the support systems used by slaves and former slaves to help one another through difficult times during and after the American Civil War. Hidden within her quilts are the secret teachings and encouragements, woven in with well-known Bible stories.
The Feminine Touch: Native American Women Who Made a Difference- 2004-2006
Native American women demonstrate remarkable accomplishments despite the undeniable male dominance that characterized the conquering cultures. Short biiographical sketches of four to six representative Native American women will be interspersed with stories that were a part of their original cultures and sources of inspiration.
On the Trail with Sacagawea - 2004-2006
IThis program explores the myths, legends, and herbal lore typical of the tribes met by Sacagawea, translator for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Her role as a sharer of culture and a finder of common ground is evident from the journals of Lewis and Clark. From the richness of stories that are known to have been told during the early 19th century when Sacagawea came in contact with them we can infer a mythic vision and cultural definition that may not have been wholly acknowledged by the explorers.
Tales from a Metis Childhood - 2000-2002
Botsford shares a collection of stories from her childhood that reflect farm life in a simpler time and how values were passed down within the generations in her Canadian Metis family.
The Lost Journals of Emily Pauline Johnson - 2000-2002
Botsford recreates Emily Pauline Johnson, aka Tekahionwake, the daughter of a Mohawk chief and an English mother, who traveled throughout Canada and to the United States and England, reciting stories and poems she had written.
The Bear Marriage - 1995-1997
Botsford relates stories from a wide range of folk traditions about the shared connections between humans and bears, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for growth that this relationship offers.
Darkly the Raven Flew - 1995-1997
This presentation explores a variety of literary sources to present a mlutifaceted portrait of the raven, helping to shed enlightening perspectives on the human condition and deepening our respect for the natural world.
The Trickster and other Archetypes in Northwest Coast Indian Myth and Legend - 1991-1993
Antoinette Botsford combines storytelling with lecture to show how traditional lore conveys a world view that largely transcends tribal and cultural differences.
The Journey of Women as Revealed in Native Northwest Traditional Story - 1991-1993
In this lecture, Antoinette Botsford addresses the attitudes and values of women in native societies as revealed in Tlingit, Haida, Salish and Athabaskan oral tradition.
Northwest Coast Indian Mythology: An Overview - 1991-1993
