The 13the First Nations Book Fair, which takes place in the national capital from November 14 to 17, opens its programming this year largely to emerging artists. Considered the largest gathering of Indigenous authors in Quebec, this event offers meetings with writers, literary activities and a series of conferences.
A text from Ismaël Houdassine
New writers are on the rise, particularly among First Nations authors. Thus, to mark the occasion, more than a third of the authors present at this show will be there for the first time.
Some writers will also take advantage of the opportunity to present their very first work, indicate the organizers. This is the case of Ilnue Joannie Gill (Mikuniss, my little sister), of the Abenaki Valérie Richer O’Bomsawin (Nichemis, little brother) and the Inuk Océane Kitura Bohémier-Tootoo (Find the house).
Moira-Uashteskun Bacon, the originator of the magnificent Fly away, Mikun – which addresses the love quest of an indigenous teenager from Nord-du-Québec – will participate on November 17 in a writing workshop for families at the Chrystine-Brouillet library.
This place will also be the meeting point with other writers. Valérie Richer O’Bomsawin will speak about Abenaki identity and Joannie Gill about the importance of indigenous first names.
They will also be invited to speak on the theme of today’s children’s literature during a round table scheduled for Friday at the House of Literature. Other meetings between artists, admission to which is free for the public, are also planned at various locations, notably at the Multi de Méduse room and at the cultural center Morrin Center.
Around thirty invited artists
In addition to new faces, several established artists in the field will be on site, including writer Wolastoqey Shayne Michael, Innu actor Marco Collin, Quebec director Marie-Josée Bastien, Anishinabe and Atikamekw essayist Cyndy Wylde as well as Wendat authors Isabelle Picard and Jean Sioui. The poet Marie-Andrée Gill, originally from Mashteuiatsh, will be present again after several years of absence.
On the English side, note the arrival ofEden Robinson. This member of the Haisla and Heiltsuk Nations, in British Columbia, became known for her famous fantasy trilogy The Trickster, successfully adapted to the small screen on CBC. On November 15, she will participate in a conference on contemporary indigenous fiction.
In addition to the classic Literary Cabaret Kwahiatonhk!, which will bring together on stage Eden Robinson, Drew Hayden TaylorMarco Collin, Dave Jenniss et J. D. Kurtnessthe Salon presents for the first time a literary happening indigi-queer (LGBTQ2S+) baptized Monoqanol with Shayne MichaelMoira-Uashteskun Bacon, Joshua Whitehead, Billy-Ray BelcourtAlexis Vollant, Georges Pisimopeo and Marc Vallée.
The First Nations Book Fair – where literary shows, signing sessions and poetry lunches come together – offers a host of interviews during which contemporary literary themes will be discussed. Let us mention Pride and commitment among Aboriginal youth
with Karine Awashish, Kananish McKenzie and Sabryna Godbout, as well as Decolonial love
with Moira-Uashteskun Bacon, Marie-Andrée Gill and Alexis Vollant.
