Kung Jaadee (Roberta Kennedy) is a professional storyteller, educator and published author belonging to the X̱aayda (Haida),  xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations. Her Haida name, Kung Jaadee, means ‘Moon Woman’ and was presented to her at her great uncle’s memorial feast by her cousin Crystal Robinson. Over the past 28 years, she has performed traditional Haida legends, while also sharing vivid personal stories about her clan’s survival of the smallpox epidemic, and  the history and culture of her people. She has performed at hundreds of festivals, schools and Aboriginal celebrations across Canada. She is the author of  the popular children’s books, Raven’s Feast and Gifts from Raven (selected as a Local BC Book to Read), as well as curriculum textbooks, Haida Nation: Indigenous Communities in Canada and We Are Home. Her stories have also been published in several anthologies, magazines and online publications. Most recently, Kung Jaadee worked as the Vancouver Public Library’s Indigenous Storyteller in Residence.

While living in Haida Gwaii, she taught X̱aad Kil, the Haida language while working with the Old Masset Village Council,  at Chief Matthews School and the Haida Health Centre in Gaw Tlagee. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta.

Virtual Programs

Haida Stories

Through six professionally recorded videos, Kung Jaadee shares the telling of famous Haida legends about Raven (Yaahl), the creator of the world, and their universal teachings. Enjoy the stories of “Raven Brings the Water,” Raven’s Brings the Light” and “Raven’s Feast,” along with some songs.  She also shares Haida and Squamish legends about salmon, teaches some basic words in X̱aad Kil (Haida language), and shows her traditional regalia. 

Squamish Stories

Through nine professionally recorded videos, Kung Jaadee shares her telling of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) legends popularized by Indigenous activist and poet E. Pauline Johnson’s book, “Legends of Vancouver.” The legends include Slhx̱i7lsh (Siwash Rock); Ch’ekxwa’7lech (Lost Lagoon); the Two-Headed Sea Serpent; Ch’ich’iyúy Elxwíkn (Two Sisters  a.k.a Lions mountains); How the Salmon Came to the Squamish People; The Great Flood Story; and How the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People Came To Be. Her uncle, Bob Baker (S7aplek), an elder and leader of Spakwus Slulem (Eagle Song Dancers), is also featured in a storytelling video and also sings a couple of songs.

Virtual Visit

You can add on a 30-minute virtual visit with Kung Jaadee for your class or the entire school to aks her questions and discuss her history and culture.