The Globe & Mail: King Charles
King Charles can re-envision the Crown-Indigenous relationship. READ FULL ARTICLE (PAYWALL)→
Toronto Star: Residential school genocide
I’m not just mourning the staggering number of Indigenous children who didn’t get to have a full life but their unborn descendants. That simple math adds up to genocide. Although we see signs of hope in our youth many are still suffering. We have told governments what’s required, over and over again. But it’s not politically expedient to address the issues adequately — it will not win anyone an election and that’s all that matters. READ FULL ARTICLE→
The Globe & Mail: 2022 Indigenous delegation to the Vatican
The Catholic Church took so much from Indigenous people. With the Vatican visit, it should start giving back. As a Cree writer who was raised Catholic, I’m fascinated by next week’s historic Indigenous delegation to the Vatican. So much needs to be addressed, but I hope the delegation’s efforts aren’t in vain. READ FULL ARTICLE (PAYWALL)→
Toronto Star: Buffy Sainte-Marie
I loved Buffy Sainte-Marie. Now, like many Indigenous people, I feel betrayed by her. I remember the evening, so many years ago, that my mother excitedly gathered us in the living room of our house behind the pool hall in Athabasca to watch a show featuring a “Cree girl,” a talented singer. READ FULL ARTICLE→
Vancouver Public Library: Darrel McLeod in discussion with Shelagh Rogers
“I hope my novel seeds a profound desire to know more — the desire to connect personally with indigenous communities — and individuals as neighbors, friends and maybe even lovers.” —Darrel McLeod
In his first novel, acclaimed author Darrel McLeod brings us A Season in Chezgh’un, a fascinating read that depicts a world most will never experience: life on a typical Indian Reserve in Canada. McLeod takes the intimacy and candor he’s known for in his memoirs and uses them to paint the story of a talented and conflicted Cree man who spends a year in Northern BC taking in the indomitable spirit of the people, and the splendour of nature — all the while fighting to keep his dark side from destroying his life.
Join Darrel in discussion with acclaimed literary journalist Shelagh Rogers.
Word On The Street: Indigenous writers’ roundtable
From 2021: Every day, Indigenous people across Turtle Island are building a more hopeful future, through community initiatives, storytelling, and more. Join us as we hold space to grieve the losses of this year, honour the struggles and successes of those dedicated to Indigenous resistance, and discuss the role that writing has in decolonizing our world: how do books and storytelling contribute to healing? How do we celebrate and protect Indigenous storytellers? How have current events changed the way we write?
Blue Met Talks: Inégalités / On social inequality
Le monde, nos sociétés, la vie sont faits d’inégalités de toutes sortes en dépit des progrès de la démocratie et des droits humains. Pourquoi? Est-ce une fatalité? Peut-on les atténuer? Des écrivains et des penseurs de divers horizons nous livrent le fruit de leur réflexion sur le sujet dans une série d’interventions brèves et stimulantes. La vente des billets pour assister à cette activité fut remise à la Fondation du Centre jeunesse de Montréal.
In spite of the progress of democracy and human rights, the world, our societies, life itself, are made up of many forms of inequality. Why is this? Is it inevitable? Can we alleviate or minimize some forms of inequality? Writers and thinkers from various fields reflect on this topic in a series of short stimulating talks. Proceeds from ticket sales for this event were donated to the Fondation du Centre jeunesse de Montréal.
National Arts Centre: Healing Pages podcast
Healing Pages: Writing as Transformation. This National Arts Centre podcast episode features Darrel McLeod in discussion with Dr. Jillian Horton about his memoirs and topics of healing and moving forward. LISTEN NOW→
Writers’ Trust of Canada: Promotional video for Peyakow
“Peyakow is more than a story of overcoming adversity; it is a story of personal and political reclamation that explores the pain of living in a world controlled by agendas and priorities that exploit the people and the land itself. Where McLeod finds connection, he also finds obligation. In the end, he discovers that being part of a community is not a passive act. McLeod’s vibrant prose renders the world with tenderness and skill. His profound book is full of love and trouble that you won’t soon forget.” — 2021 Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction Jury (Kevin Chong, Terese Marie Mailhot, and Adam Shoalts)