Hey Digiscrappers! I've been absent for a little bit my job AND my family life both went kinda crazy for a few months. But, both may be kinda cooling down for the next little bit, and I am hoping to do something with the pile of photos in my to-scrap pile in the next couple months. There is so much tribal stuff in the current BYOC. And, I spent the better part of a decade working with Indigenous communities, and I have Métis ancestry. I also read a LOT of Indigenous lit, and thought this would be a good time to share a great way to connect with these communities that a lot of people don't really know that well. (1) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian - Sherman Alexie This one is technically a YA novel, but it is full of so much heart. And it really is the story of Sherman Alexie's teenage years. (One of Alexie's first novels, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven was made into the excellent movie, Smoke Signals). (2) Indian Horse - Richard Wagamese Another semi-autobiographical tale, but this time in a residential school setting, and with lots of hockey. Indian Horse was made into a movie in 2017. I actually knit a baby sweater for the boy in the picture, Slayden Peletier, who plays the young Saul in the movie (I used to work with his Mom). (3) The Break- By Katherena Vermette deals with the subject of missing and murdered indigenous woman. It's heartbreaking, but paints such a great picture of North Winnipeg. (4) The Marrow Themes - Cherie Dimaline Because everyone loves a distopyian YA novel. This one is about a world destroyed by climate change, mixed with Indigenous Mythology. Last but not least, if you can. Go to a Pow Wow. It's a great, fun day. And I've never not been welcomed, even when I know nobody there. Bonus: All those pow wow picks will be the perfect opportunity to use all those tribal print papers!
Thanks, Julie, for the recommendations. I have Sherman Alexie's book but haven't had a chance to read it yet. I've been to several pow-wows here with the Oneidas and Menominees and have felt very welcomed. It's lovely to join in and participate in the intertribal dances.
I'm not sure if they were forced to relocate here or not but the Menominee are one of many tribes in Wisconsin.
Had been wondering how you were doing - good to see you popping in again Julie. I have not heard of any of these. Thanks for sharing and the Pow Wow idea sounds fascinating.
Thank you for the reminder and recommendations, Julie! I have "Diary" and also Alexie's memoir on digital hold with the library...IDK when I'll get them, and I'm a slow e-book reader, but I'm excited nonetheless!
That's a bummer! You Don't Have to Say You Love Me came out less than a year ago. Can you make recommendations at your library? That's one way you might be able to get the library go get them.
Thanks for the great suggestions. I've heard of the first book, but all the others are new to me. I never knew just anyone could go to a Pow Wow. I think it would be super interesting to see one. We have many local tribes around us too... I might have to check into that.
I've read a couple of Shermie Alexie's books and can relate to them (I was born and raised on a reservation). On the topic of murdered and indigeneous women, Wind River is a good one to watch. I cried on one scene :'( and if you like movies like Smoke Signals, here are a couple I recommend: PowWow Highway (oldie but goodie) and Dance Me Outside.
