Join Secwepemc storyteller, poet, novelist, rancher, and educator Garry Gottfriedson as he reads from his new poetry collection, Skin Like Mine, and discusses the creative writing process, answers questions, and autographs copies of his books.
Gottfriedson was born and raised in Kamloops; has published several books of poetry, non-fiction, and children’s literature; and read and lectured across North America, Asia, and Europe.
Published by Ronsdale Press, Skin Like Mine is wide-ranging: contemporary socio-political issues and the eternal beauty and comfort of the local landscape are among his subjects. BC Bookworld praises Gottfriedson’s “plain talk” and “terrific speech rhythms” and calls the book “an eye opener.” Prairie books NOW describes the collection as “politically potent, culturally contemporary, and sensually seductive.”
Among his previous works: In Honor of Our Grandmothers: Imprints of Cultural Survival (Theytus Books, 1994), 100 Years of Contact (Secwepemc Cultural Education Society, 1990), Glass Tepee (Thistledown Press, 2002), Painted Pony (Partners in Publishing, 2005), and Whisky Bullets (Ronsdale, 2006 ). His poetry has garnered a nomination for the First People’s Publishing Award and the Anskohk Aboriginal Award.
Gottfriedson’s accomplishments are many. In addition to the ones indicated above, he has taught creative writing, literature, language, and other subjects in local schools and universities and acted as an educational consultant for Thompson Rivers University and other post-secondary institutions. One of the first members of his band to achieve a Master’s degree, he has been hailed by the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society as “a world class champion, and an excellent role model and mentor.”
Refreshments will be served, and copies of Gottfriedson’s work will be available for sale at this event, which is sponsored by TRU’s Canadian Studies Program and English and Modern Languages Department. Thanks to the Comprehensive University Enhancement Fund, the Dean of Arts, and the English 4470 class for their support.
More information: Ginny Ratsoy at 250-828-5238.
