Canada has a rich
tradition of Indigenous writing, with a strong record of support for both
writers and publishers of such literature by the Canada Council for the Arts. That
movement has blossomed in recent years, as more Aboriginal voices have found
space in Canada’s literary and social consciousness.
Aboriginal writing has
attracted many awards and prizes in Canada over the years. A few of these
include the Governor General’s Award, awarded to Katherena Vermetter for her
2013 collection of poetry, “North End Love Songs.” Another award winner is Lee
Maracle’s novel “Ravensong,” which won the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in
1993.
Here then, are five highly-recommended novels by Canadian Aboriginal writers:
“Shi-Shi-Etko” and its
sequel “Shi-Shi-Canoe” by Nicola I. Campbell. The first novel details the story
of a young girl when she discovers that she is to be taken to a residential
school in four days. The second novel details Shi-Shi-Etko’s experiences at the
school and her joyful reunion with her family. The second novel won the prestigious
TD Canadian Children’s Literature Grand Prize.
Richard Wagamese’s “Indian
Horse” details the life of Saul Indian Horse, his experiences in the Residential
School system, his career as an ice hockey player, and the eventual reconciliation
with his past. It won the 2013 Burt Award for First Nations, Metis and Inuit
Literature.
“Legacy” by
Waubgeshig Rice. The novel describes the violence against an Indigenous
woman and the effect it has on her and her family. Another one of his novels, “Moon
of the Crusted Snow,” offers a dystopian vision of surviving postmodern
civilization. The New York Times described him as an Indigenous writer “reshaping
North American science fiction, horror and fantasy.”
Eden Robinson’s “Son of a
Trickster” humorously details the life of Jared, a sixteen year old Aboriginal
boy who constantly gets into trouble, his suspicious grandmother and his
balancing Indigenous beliefs with dysfunctional family dynamics.
“Fly Away
Snow Goose” by John Wisdomkeeper and Juliet Waldron. The book follows the
trials and travels of two young Aboriginals from Nunavut and the Northwest
Territories as they are taken forcefully to a residential school, but yet begin
a journey to return to their homes.
Mohan Ashtakala (www.mohanauthor.com) is the author of "The Yoga Zapper," a fantasy and "Karma Nation," a literary romance. He is published by Books We Love (www.bookswelove.com)
