Karen Gummo

Storyteller Laureate for 2023-24

Overview

The Storytelling Alberta Storyteller Laureate Award acknowledges and shows appreciation for the outstanding elders in our organization – those with a long commitment to excellence in storytelling performance and to supporting the art form by contributing to the Storytelling Alberta organization, enlarging our audiences and/or mentoring other storytellers. The tenure of the Storyteller Laureate runs from October 1st of the year in which the winner is chosen to September 30th of the following year. The award is presented at the annual Storytelling Alberta Retreat in September. If the recipient is unable to attend, the award will be presented via video platform or the recipient can delegate someone to accept the award on their behalf. The tenure of a Laureate Award recipient can vary greatly. They may be retired, in the twilight of their career or still be in the thick of it. There are no required actions – just a willingness to be honoured for their incredible accomplishments.

The recipient receives:

  • A lifetime membership in Storytelling Alberta

  • Certificate of appreciation from the Storytelling Alberta President on behalf of the storytelling community

  • An opportunity to perform, if they wish, at a Storytelling Alberta event during the year of their tenure and/or at the September Retreat at the end of their term

  • A gift of $100 (Note: In the event of a posthumous award, $100 will be donated to a cause chosen by the recipient’s estate)

Eligibility

  • Recipient must be a resident of Alberta and current Storytelling Alberta member

  • Nominees must have a history of contributing to the art of oral storytelling and to the Storytelling Alberta community e.g. performing at Storytelling Alberta events, volunteering at the provincial or chapter level and/or mentoring other Storytelling Alberta members.

 Procedure

  • Potential candidates can be nominated by any Storytelling Alberta member in good standing

  • A nominator must have received the nominee’s consent prior to submitting a nomination

  • Nominations must be submitted in the form of a letter of recommendation from the nominating member plus a copy of the nominee’s storytelling resume (Note: The nominating party’s letter of recommendation will be read at the Storytelling Alberta Retreat where the award is presented.)

  • Nomination letters must be sent to the Storytelling Alberta Awards Coordinator listed at the bottom of this page

Selection

  • The award winner will be chosen by the Storytelling Alberta Executive (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chapter Presidents, Past President/s) as well as one non-Executive representative from each chapter

  • The committee will make a decision no later than August 15th following the June 30th deadline

  • The Storytelling Alberta President will inform all nominating parties of the outcome once the recipient has been chosen

  • Only one recipient can receive this award in any given year

  • This award can be given posthumously

 Previous Winners:

2023-24 - Karen Gummo

2022-23 - Marie Anne McLean

2020-22 - Mary Hays (Mary’s tenure was extended because of limited opportunities for in-person performances through the pandemic)

2019-20 - Jennie Frost

Awards Coordinator: Doreen Vanderstoop dvanderstoop@storytellingalberta.com