Presenting The 2010 Manitowapow Aboriginal Writers Series
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The 2010 Manitowapow Aboriginal Writers Series
Sponsored by Aqua Books and the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Cultures at the University of Manitoba
Manitowapow means “the narrows of the Great Spirit” and is the original Cree name for Manitoba. It is a name that honours the beautiful and sacred sounds that emerge when waves hit the loose surface rocks on the north shore in the narrows of Lake Manitoba, sounds that traditional peoples believed came from the huge drum beaten by Gichi Manitou. In this spirit, we are calling together Manitoba’s best and brightest emerging and established Indigenous writers to share with the people of Manitowapow those sounds both from and about this place.
Featuring a mixture of experienced and emerging Aboriginal writers, this evening promises rich experiences for audiences. Writers already confirmed are: Beatrice Mosionier, Duncan Mercredi, Jennifer Storm, Jordan Wheeler, Katherena Vermette, Niigonwedom James Sinclair, Donna Beyer, Waubgeshig Rice, Rosanna Deerchild and many more to come!
Hosted by 2010 Aqua Books Writer-in-Residence David Robertson (author of The Life of Helen Betty Osborne and the upcoming four-book series 7 Generations), the end of each night will feature a short panel discussion on Aboriginal experiences of both writing in and about Manitowapow.
January 23, 2010, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Stories of Manitowapow
For many Indigenous communities in Manitowapow, winter is the time of storytelling. Embodying and reflecting the collective knowledges of the people, these stories are vessels of history, creativity, and experience told to recognize the beautiful struggles available in community and creation. In this spirit, stories that need to be shared with the people of Manitowapow will be shared, discussed, and laughed about.
February 23, 2010, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Poems of Manitowapow
Words are the lifeblood of Indigenous life. Who says what and about whom makes up a large part of the collective expression of Aboriginal peoples, whether it be in song, prayer, gossip, or text message. One of the most vibrant expressions of this use of language is through love, and considering the fact that Winnipeg consists of the largest Aboriginal community in Canada, there is a lot of speaking going on. On this night, come and hear some of the strongest and sensitive Aboriginal poets in Manitowapow describe and condense language to its barest and vibrant potentials and possibilities.
March 25, 2010, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Honouring Manitowapow hosted by Wab Kinew
The land of Manitowapow is a crucial part of the experiences of Aboriginal peoples of this territory. Considering the diversity of weather, the richness of the soil, and the beauty of the water, one understands why. In addition, the introduction of modern-day pollution, urban sprawl, and projects such as hydroelectric damming and mining has created new, complex experiences for Aboriginal communities of Manitowapow, many of whom most directly feel the impacts of these changes. As a special added feature, 2010 Aqua Books Writer in Residence David Robertson will also be launching Book 1: Stone, the first graphic novel of his 7 Generations series through High Water Press.
April 24, 2010, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The Roots of Truth and Reconciliation in Manitowapow
In June 2010, the first national commemoration event of the Indian Residential School Truth and Reconciliation Commission will take place in Winnipeg, the heart of Manitowapow. At this event, survivors and citizens effected by the residential school legacy will join together in the spirit of sharing and healing to engage the long historical impacts of this dark period in Canadian history. But, what is Truth? What is Reconciliation? Come and join together with Aboriginal writers struggling with these concepts in their work to see what answers emerge.
For more information please contact:
David Robertson
771-5391 (cell)
947-9354 (office)
775-0385 (home)