Aboriginal Writers Collective west coast: a teaser

Two years ago, some local indigenous writers decided that it might be fun to be in touch, and see one another more often between gigs, and keep in touch via e-group as well... happy to report, we are still at it!

We have been working hard on an anthology project all year, soon to be unveiled...

Russell Wallace designed our logo

Here, though, a few teasers from our first two years:


 Ache to Flow- Aboriginal Writers Collective West Coast

"A collective poem by the Aboriginal Writers Collective-Westcoast written by Tia Hoppington-Scott, Janet Rogers, Freda Wallace, Russell Wallace, Rita Wong.

Created May 2009 at Open Mouth/Open Mic in Vancouver, BC Canada"

--Russell Wallace, May 2009

Aboriginal Rhythms

-- Wil George, June 2009

Honouring Vera Manuel

One of two June events done in collaboration with World Poetry. Vera received a Lifetime Achievement Award on that evening. Native Education College hosted the second event, a Day of Poetry.


Four Elements Reading

poster by Michelle Sylliboy

"This was an amazing evening of poetry and music I organized with the Aboriginal Writers Collective West Coast. We put out a call for emerging and professional poets to write or read work based on the four elements Earth, Fire, Water and Air, and fundraised for the Leave Out Violence program for youth (LOVE). Special thanks to videographer Suzi Bekkattla for making this possible to air online. Please enjoy a multi-cultural collaborative evening of poetry and music featuring Afuwa Granger, Fiona Tinwei Lam, Gunargie Osullivan, Chrystos, Joanne Arnott, Janet Rogers, Laiwan, Michelle Sylliboy, Russell Wallace, Rita Wong, Sara Kendall, Trevor Carolan and Love Participants. Also musical collaborators Justin from LOVE, Katheryn Peterson and Russell Wallace and Rhizome Cafe located on 317 East Broadway, Vancouver, B.C."
--Michelle Sylliboy, July 2009

The complete event was aired on Co-op Radio, with thanks to Gunargie O'Sullivan & Donald Morin for their kind & generous support!


Featuring Chrystos:

Featuring Russell Wallace:

More readings from the evening:

Featuring Afwa Granger

Featuring Laiwan

Featuring Fiona Tinwei Lam

Featuring Michelle Sylliboy

C'est moi! 

Thanks to Taliaq for posting all these!

National Aboriginal Day 2010: Memorial For Vera

This was an opportunity to acknowledge the life and loving impact of Vera Manuel. For more details, see my earlier post, june 21 2010: journeys & the June 21st Gathering post on the companion site,  Vera Manuel Tribute.



Thanks to Duncan Mercredi & the Aboriginal Writers Collective of Manitoba, fingers crossed we'll have a collective communion in the spring!

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements re: our Salish Seas project!