POETRY

Creeland

by Dallas Hunt
Nightwood. Oct. 2021. 128p. ISBN 9780889713925. pap. $18.95. POETRY
COPY ISBN
Hunt, who is Cree and a member of Wapsewsipi (Swan River First Nation) in Treaty Eight territory in northern Alberta, is an assistant professor of Indigenous literatures at the University of British Columbia and has published award-nominated children’s literature. It’s not surprising, then, that this first poetry collection is both lucidly instructive and storyoriented in its steady-eyed exploration of his community. What results is both celebration (“the translation for genius/ in Cree is my kôhkom muttering in her sleep”) and bitter reportage on ongoing oppression (“colonialism is waiting/ eighteen hours in a cell/ when you desperately/ need a hospital”), which blend seamlessly to create an affecting work.

VERDICT Well-crafted poetry that adds admirably to the growing body of Indigenous literature; for most readers.
Reviewed by Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal , Nov 01, 2021
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

Root Fractures: Poems
by Nguyen, Diana Khoi
NONFICTION

Tiny Extravaganzas
by Mehta, Diane
MEDIA

How To Be a Good Savage and Other Poems
by Sánchez, Mikeas
MEDIA

Besaydoo: Poems
by Kamara, Yalie Saweda
NONFICTION

A Year of Last Things: Poems
by Ondaatje, Michael
NONFICTION

Host
by Coutley, Lisa Fay
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?