Storyteller and theatre artist Kenthen Thomas’ past performances have included stints with Salmon Arm Roots n’ Blues Festival, Secwépemc Native Theatre, Dreamweaver Theatre (Simon Fraser University), Sen’Klip Native Theatre, Caravan Farm Theatre and Shuswap Theatre. He also contributed narration in the CBC’s Legends series that appeared nationwide in 2006. He has also been an educator with School District #73.
Kenthen has been involved with the Salmon Arm Roots n’ Blues Festival (2007, 2013, 2014, 1015) doing both storytelling and the Secwépemc Grand Opening. He co-wrote, co-directed and starred in a play for Shuswap Theatre called “Legends” (2012), which had a 22-show run.
Kenthen captivates audiences with his fascinating retellings of legends of the Secwépemc, his family land for more than 10,000 years. This is where his late grandmother, respected and even legendary Secwépemc elder, the late Dr. Mary Thomas, taught him the traditional art of storytelling. Storytelling for the Shuswap people traditionally brought entertainment to the families during long winter nights. It is also a way to keep the history alive, tell important lessons, and share amusing anecdotes about all the creatures found on this land. The language, Secwepemctsin, and these stories have become marginalized and even endangered because of the predominance and ethnocentrism of English language and culture in Canada.
