by Marlene Wisuri

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, Minnesota, was the setting for the Indigenous Writers Gathering organized by Thomas and Betsy Peacock of Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing. On September 8, over 100 authors, illustrators, designers, librarians, and publishers gathered to share their experiences with writing and publishing. The evening began with a feast of venison, walleye, and wild rice and featured traditional flute music by Michael Laughing Fox Charette.

A full day on September 9, included presentations about their work by well-known indigenous authors Denise Sweet, Marcie Rendon, Brenda Child, Gwen Westerholm, and, via zoom from Alaska, Vivian Faith Prescott. Informal meet and greets plus book sales and signings rounded out a day of sharing and inspiration. Sponsors of the event were Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing, American Indian Community Housing Organization, Sami Cultural Center of North America, and Holy Cow! Press.

Of the event, Thomas Peacock said, “We started Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing because we saw a real need for books written by Indigenous authors, with illustrations by Indigenous artists. The Indigenous writer’s gathering was a natural extension of our efforts by providing a venue for Indigenous writers to hear from established writers and sharing their writing interests with other writers. We want to encourage the development of Indigenous writers. Will we hold more of these in the future? If we can secure the funds necessary to do a good job of hosting the venue, we will, or we’ll work with another Indigenous group willing to host it.”