In her debut collection, Shalan Joudry skillfully weaves the experiences of her Mi’kmaw ancestors, her own reality and the hope she has for the next generation all the while exploring the question of what the future holds for the environment and for her culture as a whole. Wrestling with issues of race, parenthood, environment, identity and inter-generational relationships, Joudry’s investigations incorporate the traditional teachings of community Elders, past and present depictions of the landscape and the emotional impact of modern struggles on Mi’kmaw peoples. As an ecologist and lover of nature, Joudry draws parallels between human struggles and those that exist in the natural world. A quiet hopefulness exists at the heart of this work; stories of loss and celebration, of hardship and tenderness are medicinal in their effect and serve to reinvigorate the dream of positive social and ecological change.
Upcoming events where Joudry will read from her new book:
Bear River, NS
Tuesday, April 22 at 6:00 PM, Rebekah Music Hall, 1890 Clementsvale Road.
“Generations Re-merging” book launch. Join Shalan Joudry and special guest Georgette Leblanc for an evening of poetry that celebrates Joudry’s new book on Earth Day. Readings, storytelling, discussions with the poets and a group writing workshop. All ages welcome.
Halifax, NS
Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00 PM, Gaspereau Press presents its annual Poetry Tra-La! In celebration of National Poetry Month, poets Sylvia Hamilton and Shalan Joudry will launch their new collections at Uncommon Grounds, 1030 South Park Street. The event will be hosted by award-winning Halifax poet Sue Goyette.
Annapolis Royal, NS
4 June at 7:00 P.M., ARTsPLACE, 396 St. George Street.
Wolfville, NS
5 June at 7:00 P.M., Il Dolce far Niente, 16 Elm Street.
Other readings are being planned for Baddeck, Membertou and New Brunswick. For more information, contact Trina Grant-Adam at Gaspereau Press (trina@gaspereau.com).
Image courtesy of Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tags: addeck, Annapolis Royal, ARTsPLACE, Bear River, Gaspereau Press, Generations Re-merging, halifax, Il Dolce far Niente, membertou, New Brunswick, Poetry Tra-La!, Rebekah Music Hall, Shalan Joudry, Sue Goyette, Sylvia Hamilton, Trina Grant-Adam, Uncommon Grounds, Wolfville
