Louis-Karl Picard-Sioui has been general director of the Salon du livre des Premières Nations (SLPN) since 2015, but he is, above all, “a fan of literature,” he says straight away, in an interview with The Sun.
“I want to introduce the world to all the talents and diversity that there is in the industry,” he notes.
To do this, the man at the head of the literary meeting is banking on a proposal “on a human scale”.
Spectacles, Late Nightdiscussions around a croissant, writing workshop, the programming for the 2024 edition of the First Nations Book Fair is different from the classic exhibitor fair.
“Since the beginning, we have prided ourselves on being a show on a human scale. I’m not interested in doing a fair. I know it’s important and I’m not against it, but what interests me is human discovery.”
— Louis-Karl Picard-Sioui, general director of the SLPN
While including the traditional signing sessions and book sales, the general director wants to create an environment conducive to exchanges with artists and where visitors can “live an experience”.
“Our living room”
First founded by Librairie Hannenorak in 2011 then entrusted to Mr. Picard-Sioui four years later, the SLPN brings together, year after year, lovers of indigenous literature from the four corners of the province. “There are faces that we see every year and who come from outside the region,” rejoices the director, proud of having been able to create a meeting place for indigenous artists and members of the First Nations. .
“This is our living room. It belongs to all of us,” says Mr. Picard-Sioui, himself an author.
Interviews and round tables will be presented at the House of Literature as part of the First Nations Book Fair. (First Nations Book Fair)
The largest gathering of Indigenous authors in Quebec, the thirteenth First Nations Book Fair brings together around thirty artists, more than a third of whom will be present for the very first time. A statistic that Louis-Karl Picard-Sioui celebrates.
“What is even more encouraging is that it was the same thing last year,” he emphasizes. It’s been two years since there has been real development among the next generation.”
Themes to include
Themes such as the survival of indigenous women and literature indicate color the thirteenth program of the SLPN. The Multi de Méduse room will notably host a “100% feminine” show on the evening of November 14, then a “happening literary indicate» the next day.
“For the themes, we are obviously dependent on publications,” explains the director. But as long as the statistics are what they are, we must continue to talk about the plight of indigenous women.”
Lovers of indigenous literature will notably visit the Maison de laliterature, the Morrin Center and the Multi de Méduse room, in addition to certain local places, such as municipal libraries and neighborhood businesses.
“We have lots of family activities during the weekend in different libraries in Quebec. There are activities everywhere. The idea is to go where the people are,” adds Louis-Karl Picard-Sioui.
Renowned authors, such as Marie-Andrée Gill, Isabelle Picard, Marie-Josée Bastien and Jean Sioui, are expected in Quebec for the occasion.
The thirteenth edition of the First Nations Book Fair will be held from November 14 to 17.
