It’s my very great privilege to have been asked to curate, host and take part in a reading on May 28th, featuring new and unpublished works from three amazing Indigenous writing colleagues who inherit and live part of the breadth and richness of Indigenous heritage across Canada.. Rita Bouvier is a Métis writer and educator. Her…
Category: indigenous life
On American Thanksgiving Day
As an Indigenous person (albeit in Canada, where we celebrate Thanksgiving in October), I hold that holiday to be an occasion of potentiality. I consider, on that day, the vision of my Indigenous ancestors, who welcomed newcomers, taught them to survive, and (contrary to the propaganda) hosted the table and laid the feast, offering of the…
The March This Time: a Collective Conversation
Looking back to 2014, it seems a kinder, gentler time. Dr. Cornett is a wise, genuine, passionate teacher who leads with spirit and vulnerability. Interesting to look back at his work, now that Dr. Jordan Peterson has risen to prominence; now that Me Too has had its moment, now that this kind of conversation feels…
A view of the papal visit, Part 1: old ladies vs…
Behind the grill, a K9 officer, evidently as done with the pointless tension of the whole thing as we were, suddenly fired a volley of loud barks at us. In perfect tandem, we turned and roared back ‘Ah, shut up!’
Hey. Why you going to see the Pope, if you got such a chip on your shoulder, eh? Because this chip on my shoulder has a name. Because of the damned. Because of the rammed. The raped. The beaten. The killed. The blamed for their savage natures, they all had names. Because I remain. Because…
When They Ask, I’ll Say
It’s not our fault you feel bad. You should. We should. It’s dead children. We can all do better now.
Polyglot Indigenous Languages Litfest Launch
Here’s your link to a free event honouring The Polyglot Magazine’s INdigenous Languages Double Issue, featuring text and images from an array of talented folks living our inheritance as Indigenous Artists. Buy the issue here
In Residence
Well, I’m In-Residence now. Following in footsteps of many respected colleagues, peers and mentors, I’m the Writer-in-Residence at MacEwan University. A residency is so much more than a sponsored time and space for pursuing one’s own artistic goals, although that, in itself, makes a residency a wonderful thing. I’m being paid to obey my muse,…
Askipaw: Permaculture Superstar
Woke up to a slight flu, enough to spend the day languishing round the house til mid-afternoon, when a timid knock at the back door announced Fatima, my neighbour, who had come to ask if I had grape leaves to spare. Fatima has been harvesting my leaves for a few seasons now, and I’ve become…
Reflection: St. Eugene, 2019
“We’re selling an opportunity to understand our history, to know our people and to share our vision of turning a 60-year nightmare around. We’re creating new memories for our children.” – Ktunaxa Chief Sophie Pierre St. Eugene is a former Indian Residential School, which has been made over into a resort, complete with casino and…
Prairiepomes 