An Evening with Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm

In conversation with David McLeod and signing The Stone Collection (Highwater Press). Co-presented by The Winnipeg International Writers Festival as part of our collaborative Spring Literary Series.

“In the Anishnaabe language and worldview, stones are alive, infused with life force or spirit. Although many of the stories are about loss, under that surface they are alive, celebrating the beauty and preciousness of life.” – Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm.

In these 14 unique stories, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm takes on complex and dangerous emotions, exploring the gamut of modern Anishinaabe experience. Through unforgettable characters, these stories—about love and lust, suicide and survival, illness and wholeness—illuminate the strange workings of the human heart.

Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm is a writer, poet, spoken-word performer, librettist, and activist from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation at Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario. In 1993 she founded Kegedonce Press to publish the work of indigenous writers and artists. She has written two books of poetry, was editor of the award-winning Skins: Contemporary Indigenous Writing, and has also released two poetry and music CDs. Kateri’s work has been published internationally in journals and anthologies, and she has performed and spoken around the world.

Host David McLeod is a member of the Indigenous Writers Collective, he has been published in several anthologies including: Let the Drum Be My Heartbeat, Prairie Fire, CV2, Manitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water, amongst others. David has also been involved in Winnipeg’s spoken word community, he works in media and has a keen interest in Indigenous arts.