Crowdfunded Art!
By contributing to a literary prize, you are helping a young writer create their art!
The #AppropriationPrize events highlighted two things: the lack of diversity in the ranks of senior Canadian editors and journalists, but also the democratizing power of social media. A crowdfunded literary prize won't just support new literary voices and nurture emerging indigenous writers, but is also the ultimate boon to young writers -- and to all of you who contribute. The more money we can raise, the better because it means we have more to give to emerging artists. But how many people give is also important. Imagine knowing, as a writer just starting out, that your work is being supported by 1000 people. Our contributions, all together, are worth so much more than one big donation. Together we are a chorus of positive change, creating and building.
Point being: NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL! Remember the story of the hummingbird and the forest fire? Little hummingbird flew back and forth, sprinkling tiny droplets on the raging fire, while the other animals stood by and watched in wonder. "What are you doing Nenookaasi?" they asked her. "Surely you will perish and you cannot stop this fire?"
"I am doing what I can," she replied.
(Why not check out Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas' beautiful book that includes this tale: Flight of the Hummingbird by Greystone Books? Learn more about his art here: http://mny.ca/en/)
Indigenous Voices Matter
Seems obvious, doesn’t it? The more perspectives we can see/hear/read the richer our imagination, intellect and spirit. Cherokee Nation academic and author Daniel Heath Justice offers seven reasons on his blog, Imagine Otherwise, why Indigenous literature matters:
- It can give perspective on the diversity and complexity of the Indigenous community, revealing one dimensional stereotypes about Indigenous people for what they are;
- It can be beautiful, showcasing the “full, rich depths of Indigenous humanity and creative spirit.” Beauty is a positive and healthy thing to experience and be changed by;
- It can empower by reflecting back an image of community that is affirming of humanity, dignity and strength;
- Reading nuanced stories of human experience builds empathy, which we so desperately need to nurture and build in the non-Indigenous community at this moment in our history;
- It leaves a legacy of stories for future generations;
- Writing, reading, discussing, considering Indigenous literature firms up continuity of Indigenous culture. “The People go on, and so do the stories.”
- Creative expression in all forms is transformative, and offers hope and possibility for a wholesome abiding in the world by the artist and their community.
Daniel Heath Justice, Chair of the First Nations and Indigenous Studies Program at UBC, has a forthcoming book, Why Indigenous Literatures Matter (Wilfred Laurier U Press). In the meantime you can read his blog post on this subject, which I have tried to summarize, here: http://imagineotherwise.ca/scholarship.php?Blog-Posts-6
Where Should I Start?
Don’t know where to begin? Here’s a great piece by scholar Alicia Elliott, Ten Indigenous Writers You Need to Read Right Now:
https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/ten-indigenous-writers-you-need-to-read-right-now.
CBC has a more daunting list of 108, recommended by listeners:
http://www.cbc.ca/books/2017/05/60-books-by-indigenous-writers-to-read-as-recommended-by-you.html. Pour yourself a cup of tea and savour losing yourself in these lists…
Logistics
It's a delight to announce that we will partner with the Indigenous Literary Studies Association (ILSA) to administer the award. ILSA is a national organization of scholars, knowledge-keepers, artists, and community members. Their guiding purpose is to honour the history and promote the ongoing production of Indigenous literatures in all forms. We will announce more details about the award on Saturday May 27, 2017 at Ashineu Aimun: An Indigenous Poetry Night at the Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas St. E., Toronto, 8:00 p.m.
Learn more about ILSA: http://www.indigenousliterarystudies.org/govern...
Ashineu Aimun: https://humanities.utoronto.ca/event_details/id...
Other Ways You Can Help
Please help us get the word out! The more the merrier. More money means more art! Share our info on social media and ask people to donate.
Thank you.
Blessings,
Robin Parker.
