Michelle Sylliboy | 2019 Writer in Residence
The Capilano Review is pleased to announce ECU alumni Michelle Sylliboy as the 2019 Writer in Residence.
As part of her residency Michelle will be performing from her new book of photography and Mi’kmaq (L’nuk) hieroglyphic poetry: Kiskajeyi – I Am Ready, a publication that coincides with the 2019 year of Indigenous Languages. The event features a dynamic collaboration between Michelle, local musicians M’Girl, and Heather Hay with three accompanying instrumentalists from the VSO.
The event will take place September 19th, 2019 at 7pm within the Alice MacKay Room of the Vancouver Public Library.
Michelle Sylliboy, an L’nu (Mi’kmaq) artist/author, was raised on unceded territory in We’koqmaq, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Her Interdisciplinary art practice embodies some of her own life experiences, and has led her to work with emerging and professional artists from all over Turtle Island.
Aboriginal artist and writer, Michelle Sylliboy blends together her modern poetry, photography, and Mi’kmaq (L’nuk)hieroglyphic poetry in this unprecedented book. Publication is timed to coincide with the 2019 Year of Indigenous Languages, and the launch of Michelle Sylliboy’s Mi’kmaq hieroglyphic art exhibit in Nova Scotia.
The International Year of Indigenous Languages is a United Nations observance in 2019 that aims to raise awareness of the consequences of the endangerment of Indigenous languages across the world, with an aim to establish a link between language, development, peace, and reconciliation.
“The photographs in this book are a recognition of land and how the Komqwejwi’kasikl language comes from the land. The importance of saving our water and our lands in the time of resource extraction is critical.” ~Michelle Sylliboy