First Nations Indigenous Writers Network

Overview

Six Indigenous Australian writers and two Indigenous American writers read from and discussed their work in an event titled First People: Indigenous Writers from Australia and North America at the Harrison Institute Auditorium. Each writer spent seven minutes reading from a work of their choice, and then Karenne Wood led a discussion about Indigenous identity and writing, followed by Q & A and a reception with refreshments. The program inspired writers at UVA and in the community by introducing them to emerging and established Indigenous authors, while also creating a visible platform for Indigenous voices to be shared and heard. Indigenous Australian writers Bruce Pascoe, Jared Thomas, Dub Leffler, Jeanine Leane, Ellen Van Neervan, and Cathy Craigie are members of the First Nations Australian Writers Network, an organization that advocates and provides resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and storytellers. They also guest-lectured to classes in the English department at UVA.