Storytelling as a cultural practice is central to indigenous literatures. Acclaimed novelist Louise Erdrich has spent two decades portraying the modern day lives of Native Americans, nurtured by the stories of her own Chippewa tribe. Katerina te Heikoko Mataira, inspired by listening to her parents' stories in Maori, became a key figure in the revival of the Maori language. Her work includes the translation of children’s books into Maori and the first of a three-volume historical Maori-language novel, Makorea (2002). Ngahuia Te Awekotuku is a pioneer of the women’s, gay rights and Maori sovereignty movements and is currently a member of the governing body of Creative New Zealand. Her book Ruahine: Mythic Women (2003) is a collection of radical retellings of traditional Maori stories. Awardwinning writer Mere Whaanga has long relied on story in projects as diverse as children’s books, the picture book Te Tiriti, The Treaty (2003) and more recently the Montana New Zealand Book Award nominated A Carved Cloak for Tahu (2004).

 

 

Concession Pass to 15 Writers Upfront sessions of your choice: $150 [FR $140]

 

If this event interests you, you may also like Imaginative Constructions and The Sound of Places and Names.

17 Mar, 12:10pm