M�tis writer Katherena Vermette gives reading and presentation at VIU

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Thursday, October 23rd, 2014
7:30 PM

Katherena Vermette, a Métis writer of poetry, fiction and children's literature, will give a reading and presentation at Vancouver Island University as the 2014 Gustafson Distinguished Poetry Chair.

 Vermette’s first book, North End Love Songs (Shillingford) won the 2013 Governor General’s Literary Award for Poetry. Her poetry and fiction have appeared in several literary magazines and anthologies, including Manitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia, and lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

 Vermette will read from her work and speak on “Writing the Medicine Wheel” at this free event open to the public. The lecture will be followed by a catered reception, cash bar and book signing. Copies of North End Love Songs will be available for purchase.

The Gustafson Distinguished Poetry Chair was established in 1998 from the estate of the late, preeminent Canadian poet Ralph Gustafson and his wife, Betty. The Chair has been held by celebrated poets Carol Ann Duffy, Don Domanski, Dionne Brand, Tom Wayman, Daphne Marlatt, Robert Bringhurst, Don MacKay, and Jan Zwicky, among others, who have had their lectures published as chapbooks. The Gustafson Distinguished Poets Series is sponsored by VIU's Faculty of Arts and Humanities, with support from the Vancouver Writers' Festival.

For more information contact Frances Sprout, Chair of the Gustafson Committee, 250.753.3245, Local 2367, email: [email protected].