My teacher wanted me to try carving soapstone. I didn't have any idea what soapstone looked like. I tell you, as soon as I picked up that rock, that old man's words came right in my heart, right in my soul, “Before you do anything with that, you put an offering for Mother Earth, for the gift of that rock, and you light a smudge, and you pray to Creator. You promise you're not going to waste this gift.”

I smudged that rock, and I prayed. I prayed, that was the first time I truly prayed. The first time I truly prayed the way I was taught.

I am a storyteller stone carver and artist. Knowing our traditions, knowing who you are, where you come from, keeps you solid. Keeps you grounded. It gives you something to give back. That's all we have, that's all we can do.

- Lyndon

Askikahpamotatah/Lyndon Tootoosis a member of Poundmaker Cree Nation, is a well-known Saskatchewan storyteller, stone carver, and artist. Lyndon was with the Saskatchewan Arts Board, for 23 years. He is also a long-standing member of the Prairie Sculptures Guild. His sculptures are in the permanent collections of major galleries and museums as well as private collections around the world.