Once the fall chores are done and the snow comes, it’s time to share stories. Storytelling has been a way of both passing the time and passing on knowledge during the cold, dark winter nights for thousands of years. As the next Winnipeg winter sets in, Poet Laureate Duncan Mercredi has assembled a group of artists who will gather at the West End Cultural Centre to continue this tradition.
The event promises to be to be an evening to remember, with poets, singers and storytellers from across Winnipeg. Mercredi has given the event two names, Mnidoon Giizis Oonhg (Anishinaabe: Little Spirit Moon) and Yiyikopiwi-pisim, (Cree: Frost Moon) in acknowledgement of the time and the tradition.
It also marks the final public event for Duncan Mercredi as Winnipeg Poet Laureate. He has served for three years and during his tenure he has worked tirelessly. He has made countless public appearances and school visits, appeared at Winnipeg’s City Council, and published 2 books including mahikan ka onot: The Poetry of Duncan Mercredi (WLU Press) and 215 (Winnipeg Arts Council).
Though Winnipeggers may be sad to see him complete his time as Poet Laureate, they can take comfort in the fact that a new Poet Laureate has been selected and will be announced publicly at the event.
Artists taking part in the evening include Ronel Amata, Rosanna Deerchild, Elizabeth Denny, Ariel Gordon, Trevor Greyeyes, Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, Yelani Peris, Chimwemwe Undi, Jennifer Waytiuk, Jordan Wheeler and David Williamson. It is hosted by writer, filmmaker and broadcaster Kim Wheeler, who is well known to national audiences for her work with CBC, Canadaland, and as the host of the Kim Wheeler Show on SiriusXM's The Indigiverse.
Doors - 7:00pm
Show - 7:30pm
Tickets
Free