Native Authors Program: Summer Readings Series

Join us as we welcome the Native Authors Program 2022/23 cohort authors Gillian Joseph, Tara Perron, Em Poupart, and Tara Widner to share readings at All My Relations Arts. Hear snippets from the cohort’s new works as well as hear updates on the program’s cohort. This event is part of our summer readings series focused on showcasing the work of our current Native Authors Program cohort, mentored by Art Coulson.

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Friday, September 15th, 5:30pm snacks and refreshments, 6-7:30pm readings.
Free. All are welcome. Food and drink will be provided.

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About the authors:

Gillian Joseph is a queer, 2-Spirit Ihaŋktoŋwaŋ and Mdewakaŋtoŋ Dakota storyteller who grew up as a guest on Waxhaw and Catawba lands. They are the author of Protector of the Beads: a Dakhota Poem (forthcoming from Wíyouŋkihipi Productions) and serve as a folio editor at Anomaly. Alongside writing, they work in the mental health field with a focus on Indigenous health sovereignty. Gillian loves spending time near mní, trying to figure out what their dreams mean, and hanging out with their cats, Smudge and Solstice.

Tara Perron Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ is a Dakota and Ojibwe mother. She grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She studied Dakota language and culture at Metro State University. She is the author of Takoza: Walks With the Blue Moon Girl, Animals of Khéya Wíta, and Animals of Nimaamaa-Aki. Tara is inspired by the loving hearts of her sons: she is a creator, plant medicine enthusiast, and has always loved to write. She believes in the healing power of storytelling.

Emily Poupart is an Ojibwe writer based in the Twin Cities who grew up in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. She is currently an intern at MNHS Press and has been previously published in the Minnesota Women’s Press.

Tara Widner is Pembina Band Ojibwe (White Earth). A Water Protector and Land Defender, community educator, activist and organizer, Tara currently lives a mile from the Misiziibi (Mississippi River) in Minneapolis. Active in the Council of Indian Students at Bemidji State University, Tara graduated with a B.A. in Indian Studies. She hand-harvests manoomin (wild rice) or helps with rice camps every fall; between harvest seasons, she speaks and writes about manoomin. Tara is also a mixed media artist working in both traditional and contemporary styles and materials. In a former life, Tara was a prolific professional writer. These days she sows seeds towards Native food sovereignty and LANDBACK.