The best in Indigenous writing gather for a weekend of fine literature
By Christine Smith McFarlane
TORONTO—Topics which include Cultural Preservation through Story; Fiction and Non Fiction as Tools for Survival featuring Leanne Simpson, Lee Maracle, and Waubgeshig Rice were only some of the topics that were discussed at the 7th Annual Indigenous Writers Gathering which took place in the heart of downtown Toronto on June 9-10, 2016.
The first day included subjects such as: Frankenstein’s Method: Building Characters that Come Alive workshop with Joseph Boyden and Waubgeshig Rice; and an open mic reading. The open mic reading was hosted by poet Gwen Benaway and featured the award winning authors of Indigenous Writers Gathering, which was open to the public at Glad Day Bookshop, which drew a large attendance and audience with standing room only. Audience members included community, fans, and publishers and industry insiders, where they could listen to both award winning authors and emerging writers.
The Building Characters Workshop panel inspired and encouraged free-rein imagination in the minds of all those who attended and participated in the audience.
Joseph Boyden and Waubgeshig Rice told audience members amongst other things to “allow your characters to go where they need to go and let the story shape your character. Don’t be afraid to break the clichés and most of all challenge yourself, if it feels easy, do something a little different than what you would normally do.”
During the second day of the event, the celebration of writers continued with two workshops titled Traditional Stories: What Do They Need from Us at this time in History with Lee Maracle and Joseph Boyden; and Articulating Memories of the Land Through Music, Language, and Multimedia workshops featuring Leanne Simpson which also featured artist and activist Susan Blight.
The 7th Annual Indigenous Writer’s Gathering concluded with a big Honouring Gala that Honoured the Grandparents of Indigenous Literature: Elder storytellers, Lee Maracle and Thomas King. This honouring was hosted by Joseph Boyden and featured pow wow dancers, drummers, authors and some other very special guests like the Honourable Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Minister David Zimmer, and Deputy Minister Deborah Richardson that shared words and tributes. There were over 500 members in the audience that were there to help honour the iconic Elder storytellers.
When asked how it felt to be honoured, Maracle said “It can’t get any better than this.”