Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices

by Lisa Charleyboy (Editor), Mary Beth Leatherdale (Editor)

Overview

Whether discussing the transformative power of art or music, the lasting trauma of residential schools, growing up poor, or achieving success, the contributors to this remarkable anthology all have something in common: a rich Native heritage that has informed who they are.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781554516865
Publisher:	Annick Press, Limited
Publication date:	03/22/2016
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	270,499
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.70(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1040L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Lisa Charleyboy (Tsilhqot’in) is Editor-In-Chief of Urban Native Magazine, which focuses on pop culture with an Indigenous twist. She is also the host of CBC Radio’s New Fire. She lives in Vancouver.

Mary Beth Leatherdale writes, edits, and consults on books, magazines, and digital resources for children and youth. She lives in Toronto.

Editorial Reviews

10/06/2014
Charleyboy and Leatherdale assemble a wide-ranging and emotionally potent collection of poems, photography, interviews, and artwork featuring dozens of indigenous artists and writers from across North America. The graphics-intensive format gives the project the feel of a magazine or yearbook as the contributors tackle stereotypes (three girls offer perspectives growing up with Disney’s Pocahontas); discuss their careers in the arts, activism, and other areas; and reflect on their place in the culture at large, despite ongoing discrimination and other challenges. In the final poem, Patricia Stein writes, “ ‘Broken hoop.’/ Oh, but I see it whole./ Every bend breaks a barrier that’s held us below.” Ages 12–up. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

An outstanding anthology sure to engage youth in discussions about 21st century Native American culture.

Library Thing - Annette Lamb

★ 2014-09-14
Who are North American Indians today? For answers, meet the poets, fashion models, chefs, scientists, Olympians, YouTube stars, graphic artists, activists, athletes and many others featured in this vibrant, kaleidoscopic anthology. Contributors, many young adults from first nations across Canada and the United States, portray their experiences in short works that range from flash fiction, essays, songs and poetry to paintings, cartoons and photo collages. Innovative design by Inti Amaterasu pairs words and art, echoing and amplifying themes of departure and return, integration and discovery. Writers recount tough, crooked journeys that led to rewarding outcomes, incorporating a complex, difficult, rich heritage in cutting-edge careers. Not all stories are happy, but most move from pain toward hope, even triumph. Twelve years of residential school couldn't erase her cultural identity from Isabelle Knockwood, Mi'kmaq, whose mother's early teachings gave her a course to follow. Throat singer Tanya Tagaq Gillis, Inuk, thanks school bullies who tormented her—surviving them gave her the determination and resilience to pursue her dreams. Self-styled "Salish geek" Jeffrey Veregge draws on a mixed heritage to create his inventive prints. Children of Alberta's Horse Lake First Nation share what gives them strength. Tired stereotypes are demolished with sly humor. Cree model Ashley Callingbull satirizes fashion's appropriation of native dress. But stereotypes aren't always disempowering, as Kelli Clifton, Tsimshian, points out in her exploration of Disney's Pocahontas. Original and accessible, both an exuberant work of art and a uniquely valuable resource. (Anthology. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews