The world is focussed on issues of identity, gender, trauma, truth and reconciliation, the Ottawa Writers Festival’s fall lineup is certainly reflecting that.
Several authors of Indigenous heritage are bringing their stories to the festival which runs from Oct. 24 to Oct. 29 including writers such as Cherie Dimaline, Katherena Vermette, Billy-Ray Belcourt, Helen Knott, Karen McBride and Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm.
It should make for a powerful mix.
And that’s after already hosting Margaret Atwood (Sept. 17), Jody Wilson-Raybould (Sept. 20), Charlotte Gray (Sept. 24), Beverley McLachlan (Sept. 25), Emma Donoghue (Sept. 26), Pico Iyer (Oct. 1) Diana Beresford-Kroeger (Oct. 5) and a bevy of Giller nominees (Oct. 16).
As usual all events are at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks St. unless otherwise indicated.
Oct. 24
Had it Coming with Robyn Doolittle (6 p.m.)
In My Own Moccasins with Helen Knott (7:30 p.m.)
Poetry Cabaret with Katherena Vermette and Billy-Ray Belcourt (9 p.m.)
Oct. 25
Graphic History with Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm and Katherena Vermette (noon)
Where the Heart Is with Anar Ali and Rebecca Fisseha (6 p.m). Hosted by Daniel Bezalel Richardson
Fame with Amy Jones and Terry Fallis (7:30 p.m.). Hosted by CBC’s Sandra Abma
2019 Bywords John Newlove Poetry Award with Tomasz W. Wiszniewski and Jack Pine (9 p.m.) Hosted by Amanda Earl
Oct. 26
Power Shift with Sally Armstrong (1:30 p.m.). Hosted by CBC’s Judy Trinh
The Vagina Bible with Dr. Jen Gunter (3 p.m.). Hosted by Julie S. Lalonde
We Have Always Been Here with Samra Habib 4:30 p.m.). Hosted by Anna Shah Hoque
Plan 99 Poetry with Jacqueline Turner, K.B. Thors and Nikki Reimer Manx Pub • 370 Elgin St. (5 p.m.). Hosted by David O’Meara
Art and Craft with Steven Price and Jennifer Robson (6 p.m.). Hosted by Rhonda Douglas
7:30pm
Make Tomorrow
with Michael Christie and Johanna Skibsrud (7:30 p.m.)
Hosted by Stephen Brockwell
The Day After Tomorrow with Derek Kunsken and Tade Thompson 9 (p.m.)
Hosted by Kate Heartfield
Oct. 27
Laughing Matters with Laurie Gelman and Dave Hill 1:30pm
Modern Family with Rick Prashaw and Amanda Jette Knox (3 p.m.)
Hosted by CBC’s Matthew Pearson
Daughter of Family G with Ami McKay (4:30 p.m.)
Hosted by CBC’s Lucy van Oldenbarneveld
Plan 99: ARC Poetry Fall Launch Manx Pub • 370 Elgin St.
5:00pm
Family Ties with Zalika Reid-Benta, Carol Rose GoldenEagle and Michael Crummey (6:30 p.m.)
Hosted by CBC’s Alan Neal
Friends Like These with Sara Peters, Megan Gail Coles and Anakana Schofield (8:30 p.m.)
Hosted by Nina Jane Drystek
All of Me with Naben Ruthnum and Nathan Ripley (noon)
Hosted by Peter Schneider
A Thousand Small Sanities with Adam Gopnik (5:30 p.m.)
Hosted by Peter Schneider
An Earthling’s Guide to Outer Space with Bob McDonald (7 p.m.)
Hosted by CBC’s Laurence Wall
8:30pm
Fear Itself with Jessica Westhead, Nathan Ripley and Lynn Coady (8:30 p.m.)
Hosted by ARTSFILE.ca’s Peter Robb
5:30pm
The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls with Mona Eltahawy (5:30 p.m.)
Where the Wild Things Are with Karen McBride and Cherie Dimaline (7 p.m.)
Hosted by CBC’s Shelagh Rogers
Rebent Sinner with Ivan Coyote (8:30 p.m.)
For tickets and more information, please see writersfestival.org
