Aboriginal author shares skills, stories

Photo: Contributed

Richard Wagamese with students

Renowned aboriginal author Richard Wagamese is in Penticton this week, leading writing workshops for students.

Thirteen aboriginal and non-aboriginal students from Princess Margaret and Penticton Secondary schools are participating in Our Voices Our Stories at locations including the Shatford Centre and the IMC building.

Anne Tenning, the vice principal of aboriginal education for School District 67, invited the author,  who does similar workshops all over Canada, to the city.

“I took a five day writers' workshop with Richard two years ago, and I was inspired by it, for sure,” she said. “He is able to help anyone from students to adults with their writing and storytelling.”

Wagamese, an Ojibway from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Northwestern Ontario,  has written several novels .

His most recent is the well-received “Indian Horse.”

His writing has been described by reviewers as true grace on the page, and the author himself has been called a national treasure.

In addition to the workshops, there will be a book club meeting for School District 67 and Okanagan College staff at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday at Okanagan College.

The public is invited to a storytelling presentation by Wagamese on Wednesday evening at Princess Margaret.

His presentation will be followed by one from the students who participated in the workshop.

Hooked on Books will sell a selection of his books, and the aboriginal leadership class will run a concession stand.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the presentation starts  at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is by donation.