Poetry anthology chronicles writer's healing journey

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Accompanied by the beat of a hand drum, the unfaltering voice of Karen Manitowabi filled the halls of Wasse-abin high school Nov. 17. The Odawa poet from Manitoulin Island allowed the drum and her song to convey a personal journey to forgiveness and self-acceptance.

"I'm really happy," she told well wishers assembled in the Wikwemikong public library, which is located in the school. "I never used to sing. I used to go around with my head down, but now I have found my voice. My song represents how the drum has helped me with my healing journey. Today I give thanks for our ancestors and I am proud to be an Anishnaabe-Kwe."

Her strength and pride are evident in her newly launched poetry anthology entitled Two Standing Bears Making Medicine. The 185-page book has been published by Ningwakwe Learning Press of Owen Sound.

In an emotional ceremony, Manitowabi presented the first copy of her book to her grandson, Stevie Trudeau.

"He's my inspiration," she said. "Children have so much to offer and they are so full of faith and innocence."

As a foster parent, Manitowabi encourages youth to express themselves and to make positive choices. "I enjoy the children," she said. "It is a blessing to have them in my life. My poetry flows from our cultural teachings and I try to apply them daily in life with the children."

Artist Darlene "Dolly" Peltier also was on hand for the book signing. She collaborated with the author to create the black-and-white illustrations that accompany the poems. Peltier, an emerging Odawa artist who has participated in exhibitions in Canada and the United States, is known for her creative weaving of feathers, beads, leather and medicines into her paintings.

"I have been drawing since I was a small girl," Peltier said. "When Karen brought the poems to me, I read them several times to really get into it. We experienced a connection when we put our spirits together. It's beautiful. I am very blessed and honoured to work with her."

Wikwemikong Chief Robert Corbiere was equally complimentary. "This is a proud day in Wikwemikong," he said. "It is great to be here among the Bear clan and to give recognition to the accomplishments of one of our band members. Karen is helping to put Wiky on the map."

For Manitowabi the act of writing has proven to be therapeutic and rewarding. Themes of loneliness, grief and pain are transformed into messages of renewal and hope in her verses.

"When I write my poetry, there is an awakening of my connection to the Creator," she said. "When I write, it puts me in my own sanctuary of myself. It feels like a dream fulfilled to hold this book in my hand. We can make our dreams come true; we all have that potential inside us."

Perhaps her views are best expressed in these healing words from the anthology:

My heart has spoken

No longer wounded or broken

My heart will speak.

For more information on Two Standing Bears Making Medicine call (705) 859-2591 or (705) 859-3704.