Telling stories is not just kids stuff. At least, not to professional storyteller Christine Provost (BA'96). She says stories help us find our place in the world.

    "Telling stories is important in learning about yourself and where you come from," says Provost, who incorporates her native Creole into some of her tales. Stories can provide answers to deep questions, she says. "Every culture has its stories, and those stories are about the way we see the world."

    Provost, who grew up in Jamaica, comes by her storytelling talents naturally. Her mother told her stories every night. "It was our bedtime ritual, and that's how I got drawn to them." Although some might argue that mainstream Western culture lacks the rich oral traditions of the West Indies, Provost believes we do have our own oral traditions.

    "Radio programs and television talk shows are our oral tradition, so are people gossiping on the bus." Families have their own oral heritage, Provost says. "Every family has a story about an 'Uncle Willy'."

    Provost's own ethnic background includes Indian, French, Jewish, Scottish, Irish, German, Chinese, African, and Italian ancestors. She was often teased for "looking different." As a result she wanted to find out what made people from various cultures different, but found out there were more similarities than differences.

    "Now, when I see children being teased for being different, I want to help by sharing my experiences. Kids who are mixed don't have to deny part of who they are. They can find things in common. I want them to see that other kids from other cultures are real people, just like them."

    One of her favourite stories that she wrote is a tale about how the world got its cultures. "It is everybody's story, because it is part of everybody's mythology. If I can tell a story that helps a child to understand someone from another culture better, then it's all worthwhile."