Some of the leading voices in Indigenous literature will be gathering in Orillia this month.
The Huronia Cultural Campus (HCC) is presenting its First Nations Literary Festival July 28 at Lakehead University. It’s the first of the HCC’s Gathering events for the year, and it follows the successful Giiwenh, a literary event that took place last year.
“We had an excellent response (to Giiwenh). It sold out almost immediately,” said HCC general manager Michael Martyn.
An event that showcases Indigenous writers is more relevant than ever, he added.
“It’s integral to the process of reconciliation,” Martyn said. “These are stories of people, and it’s in these stories that we deepen our understanding of any people.”
Among those taking part in this month’s festival are Drew Hayden Taylor, Tom Wilson, Lee Maracle, Tanya Talaga and Waubgeshig Rice.
“All these authors are excellent writers,” Martyn said. “During the process of reconciliation, there is extra validity given by having a number of voices speaking at the same time.”
The festival will be “good for everyone,” he said, adding it’s a time for people, Indigenous or not, to listen to these writers’ stories.
“Sometimes it’s important to pay attention to the conversations people are having without the need to take part in them. This is a chance to listen to other people’s stories.”
It’s a time for discovery, too. Even one of the authors made a relatively recent discovery of his own.
Wilson learned in his 50s that he is Mohawk. He will read at this month’s festival from his book, Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home.
Wilson, lead singer with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, is also scheduled to play some music during the event.
One of the guests Martyn is most looking forward to seeing is Taylor.
Martyn grew up in Peterborough, near Curve Lake First Nation, where Taylor resides.
“I’ve been following his work since I was a teenager,” Martyn said, adding he recently saw a production of Taylor’s latest play, Cottagers and Indians.
The HCC will be bringing two performances of the play to the area next year — one at the Rama MASK and the other at St. Paul’s United Church in Orillia.
Tickets for the First Nations Literary Festival, which will run from 1 to 10 p.m., cost $15. Find out more at hccpresents.com.
