Author Description

The second edition of this wide-ranging survey of writing in English by Canadian Native peoples brings together in one volume some of the best work from a literature that comprises a valuable part of Canadian culture. Beginning with traditional songs, the anthology goes on to feature prose passages by such early figures as Joseph Brant and John Brant-Sero, works by such well-known writers as George Copway and Pauline Johnson, and a fascinating selection of short stories, plays, poems, and essays by contemporary Canadian Native writers. While all writers from the first edition have been retained, several of them - Maria Campbell, Lenore Keeshig-Tobias, Armand Garnet Ruffo, and Jordan Wheeler, among others - are represented by new works. Also new to this edition are fourteen recently established writers of formidable talent: kateri akiwenzie-damm, Beth Cuthand, Joseph A. Dandurand, Marilyn Dumont, Connie Fife, Louise Halfe, Duncan Mercredi, Philip Kevin Paul, Eden Robinson, Gregory Scofield, Paul Seesequasis, Lorne Joseph Simon, Richard Van Camp, and Richard Wagamese. This volume will be of interest to anyone concerned with the wealth and complexity of Native writing in Canada. Among issues covered are Aboriginal rights, family relationships, and the environment. The anthology includes work by men and women of many tribal affiliations and from various geographic regions of Canada. It also presents a diversity of opinions, voices, genres, and styles from among the writers themselves.