Nathanial Blackjack, a member of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and of Northern Tutchone descent, showcased his award-winning poem “Potlatch” at the Yukon Arts Centre. The poem delves into the theme of feeling disconnected from one’s community and the journey of finding solace amidst this isolation.
Beginning with the poignant lines, “My people don’t see me,” Blackjack’s poem reflects on the intricate dynamics within family relationships. Emphasizing the complexity of familial bonds, the two-spirit poet highlights that these connections are not always straightforward but are a true reflection of reality.
The writing competition, focused on the theme of family and chosen family, was organized by Active Voice in collaboration with Yukon University and the Yukon Arts Centre, with support from CBC North. Blackjack emerged as the winner of this competition, succeeding last year’s winner, Adri Lera, who hails from Tlingit, Unangax, and Swedish backgrounds.
On stage with Blackjack was Ivan Coyote, a respected writer and storyteller, who was part of the judging panel that recognized the exceptional nature of “Potlatch.” Coyote underlined the significance of providing a platform for emerging writers to share their voices and stories, with Blackjack’s work soon to be published for the first time.
Reflecting on the event, Coyote expressed his satisfaction in supporting young authors and fostering a community of literary talent. In a separate segment, novelist Waubgeshig Rice was featured as a keynote speaker, engaging in a discussion with Coyote about his writing process and the incorporation of Anishinaabe worldviews and language, including Anishinaabemowin, in his acclaimed works.
Rice, known for his bestselling dystopian novel “Moon of the Crusted Snow” and other literary works exploring themes of colonialism and cultural resurgence, shared insights into his creative journey with the audience at the Yukon Arts Centre.