Writers give library talk

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A good-sized crowd turned out when members of the Six Nations Writers gave talks and readings at the Niagara Falls Public Library. The library and the Parkway Literary Guild organized this event, called "Celebrating Aboriginal Writers."

Following closely the successful North American library conference in Toronto, this June 28 event showcased the talents of local writers, and the partnerships between the public library and community groups.

Six writers who belong to this active, growing group with 50 members, a Web site and newsletter, gave presentations. Each spoke from a different perspective, but shared a common purpose-communicating-whether across generations, within the family or within the community.

Cindy Martin (Cayuga, Turtle Clan) who works for Six Nations Health Services, gave a health and youth perspective to her writing. Her book for children, Why Are They Smoking? is part of her effort "to help understand longhouse, and the purpose of tobacco.

Richard Green (Mohawk, Turtle Clan) "made three attempts to learn the language.

"The traditional way was oral," he said, "and there was not much love for the English language." Now, "Elders are asking them to write (English)," he said.

In explaining cultural differences, Green said, "Traditional people don't have a clock." They are "very quiet, don't share anything. It's the language, culture, to respond to the question that was asked. You ask us, we'll tell you. You don't ask us, we won't tell you." Green wants "to write stories to teach kids about their culture," to help youth understand who they are and take pride in their identity. "One week on the reserve, we lost seven kids to car crashes and alcoholism."

Spreading literacy, sharing their culture through stories, is one thing that may help overcome these problems, he suggested.

Membership in Six Nations Writers is open to other First Nations and to friends. The group's plans include attending the Canadian Aboriginal Festival, held in Toronto in November.