Hi everyone!
So much on my list to share, but for now just want to make sure anyone in reach of Nogojiwanong knows about this event tomorrow.
Kahsenniyo Kick is coming in from Six Nations to spend the afternoon with Sarah Lewis, Thamer Linklater, Kerry Bebee, Angeni Lovelady and Kelli Marshall, preparing for a public reading. Miigwech to Jenn Cole at Indigenous Performance Initiatives for holding this space for poetry, and for inviting me to curate this event. At the heart of this organizing is a vision of space for Indigenous poets to attend to their craft together. Within a broader context of hustle and escalating violence, to take a beat for connection, reflection, and expression. I can already feel the power of this gathering, as we prepare to witness it unfold.
With love and care for all you are holding, and a wish to see you tomorrow,
Ziysah
PS As this is coming together rather last minute, I would so appreciate if you could share this directly with 2 or 3 friends who may be interested. (Feel free to share widely as well.)
Indigenous Performance Initiatives presents:
An Evening of Indigenous Poetry
Monday, September 16
7pm
Take Cover Books, 59 Hunter St. E.
FREE!
Featuring: Kahsenniyo Kick (Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan)
"Kahsenniyo transforms her love for her community and people into passionate, educational, and healing performances."
Also featuring:
Sarah Lewis (Anishinaabe and Cree, Oshkiigmong)
Kerry Bebee (Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe kwe, Marten Clan)
Thamer Rose Linklater (Nehiyaw, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation)
Kelli Marshall (Anishinabekwe, Hiawatha, Pike Clan)
Angeni Lovelady (Anishinaabe)
And drumming from Franklin Johnson (Chippewas of Mnikaning, Rama First Nation)
Kahsenniyo is a multi-disciplinary artist from the Mohawk Nation Wolf Clan. Kahsenniyo began utilizing her poetry as a tool for social change and community engagement in 2008. Her work is centered around Indigenous issues. She aims to educate non-indigenous people about the struggles, beauty and realities facing Indigenous people. As well her work attempts to create moments of healing for indigenous people.
Sarah Lewis is an Anishnaabe and Cree spoken word poet, mother, community organizer, activist and author from Oshkigamong, who has performed on stages across the world. Her poetry is birthed from an unapologetic woman sick of a colonial, capitalistic, sexist society, who feels we can use our voices to dismantle and break free from these harmful systems.
Thamer Rose Linklater (they/them) is Rocky Cree/ Asiniskaw Inthiniwak from Nisichawayasihk (NCN) Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba residing and working in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong. Their current work explores storytelling as a way of influencing change. When not engaged in research or writing, they enjoy reading, painting, and admiring their budgie Sky.
Kelli Marshall is an Anishinabe Kwe from the Miichi Saagiig territory of Hiawatha First Nation. She represents the Pike Clan. She is an activist, dancer, and storyteller, mother, daughter, sister and Auntie.
Angeni Lovelady is a dynamic urban Indigenous Anishinaabe person with a lifelong commitment to education, community support, and creative storytelling. Their grandfather comes from Pikwakanagan Algonquin First Nation. As a Two-Spirit advocate who lives with chronic illness and disability, Angeni is dedicated to uplifting 2SLGBTQ+ and Indigenous community members.
Kerry Bebee is a Michi-Sagiig Anishinaabekwe from Nogojiwanong /Paamashkodeyaang and Hiawatha First Nation. She is an Aboriginal Registered Midwife and a member of ‘Beautiful Canoe Collective,’ a theatre project that celebrates Indigenous women’s birth experiences and reproductive justice.
Jenn Cole is a mixed-ancestry Algonquin Anishinaabe-kwe from Kiji Sibi territory. She is a queer/2S mother, Artistic Director for Nozhem Peoples Performance Space and editor for Canadian Theatre Review Views and Reviews. Jenn’s artistic practice seeks to connect more deeply with territory and ancestral epistemologies toward livable futures for all her relations.
