Local Anishinabe writer/editor/filmmaker Darlene Naponse put the call out for stories and poems about community and has gathered a collection of 17 Indigenous voices.
Before the Usual Time, put out by local publisher Latitude 46 Publishing, is a unique and beautiful collection of Indigenous voices from across Turtle Island.
“Borders do not exist for these Indigenous artists, just the stories and poetry that captures their visions of community,” describes Darlene Naponse, editor and contributor of the collection, Before the Usual Time.
A gathering of new writers such as Emma Petahtegoose (Atikameksheng Anishnawbek) and the more seasoned writers such as David Groulx, Sherwin Bitsui and Joan Navlyuk Kane offer a diverse insight to community.
Below is an excerpt from the introduction of Before the Usual Time:
"From around Mother Earth, the Indigenous voices of emerging and practiced writers are in the following pages. We go deep into their communities, their visions, their creations, their experiences. Their words are open, full of courage, strength, beauty, sadness and wild creativity. Poetry, prose, stories that allow the reader to know, the fire never went out, community is alive, connected to the land and the people."
Books can be purchased through www.latitude46publishing.com, Indigo.ca and local booksellers. During the social distancing measures, a virtual event book release event is currently being planned.
