Description
Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices is a visually stunning, and thought-provoking anthology featuring the work 64 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists. 46 First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Native American established and first-time authors, musicians, poets, filmmakers, photographers and creative thinkers all considering identity, authentic voice, and honesty. This collection, published by Annick Press, marks a turning point in Aboriginal young-adult creative non-fiction. Editors Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale have collected and organized the 46 submissions into four key themes: Roots, Battles, Medicines, and Dreamcatchers. The editors welcome readers with the reason for compiling this volume, “This book stemmed from a desire to showcase the real life of Indigenous people.” The selections include poems, memoirs, short stories, fashion spreads, hip hop lyrics, art, photographs, essays, interviews, comics, and song lyrics from well-established authors such as Joseph Boyden, Duke Redbird, and Isabelle Knockwood to aspiring artists such as grade 3 student Macheshuu Needganagwedgin, Chayla Dekorme Maracle, Abigail Whiteye, and grade six student Aja Sy. The works address universal themes such as identity, home, bullying, gender, environment, sports, and dreams that will appeal to all readers. Topics unique for First Nations authors include residential schools, land rights, social justice, traditional dance, humour, stereotyping, appropriation, and walking in two worlds. Readers will find these works will shatter stereotypes, and challenge bias through images and text. Chef Aaron Bear Robe, for example, explains how he introduces restaurant customers to his culture by reinventing traditional dishes, and in the dramatic photo spread, model Ashley Callingbull and photographer Thosh Collins reappropriate the fashion trend of wearing ‘Indian’ clothing. Not all writing is serious, as the stand-up comedian Ryan McMahon makes his own truth through images and quotes; and Keesic Douglas’ photographs pay tribute to the 4 reservation food groups: Wonder bread, Cheez Whiz, Kam, and Kool-Aid. Every entry in the anthology will make you think about Indigenous people in Canada and their histories, cultures, past, present, and future aspirations. Well-known and aspiring Ongwehowe contributors include Derek Miller, Waneek Horn-Miller, Charlotte Skaruianewah Logan, Chayla Delorme Maracle, Courtney Powless, Kit Thomas, and Alida Kinnie Starr. The collection includes short stories by Joseph Boyden (Shedding My Own Skin about personal teen choices); Tonya Leah Watts (The Only Place She Knows about residential school effects); and Sharai Mustatia (Reunited about adoption and reuniting). Part of the visual appeal of this volume is the innovative and captivating design enhancing each contribution. In the world of young adult book publishing this collection makes an outstanding contribution in its layout and overall design. The cover collage and all interior design were provided by the talented Inti Amaterasu. The 2016 Honor Middle Grade Book selected by the American Indian Library Association jury is Dreaming in Indian Contemporary Native Voices edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale (2014) Annick Press. Highly recommended for all public library collections and secondary school libraries as well as college and university introductory English Literature and Indigenous Studies courses.