Blog
-
Anthony Apakark Thrasher and environmental kinship
In a Calgary prison while awaiting trial for murder in the early 1970s, Inuvialuit writer Anthony Apakark Thrasher declared, “if the Arctic coast was made of solid mineral of economical value, the Eskimo people would be pushed right into the ocean to get what is under his feet.” Thrasher’s haunting prison writings offer a multi-genre tour de force that interweaves the author’s life story with traditional Inuvialuit tales, dream sequences, poetry, and critical commentary on politics, economics, and spirituality. His writings also adeptly diagnose the relationship among environmental responsibility, social justice, and kinship relations in the North. Keep reading »
-
Recent interview the MacMillan Company
I’m currently preparing a SSHRC-funded history of the Macmillan Company of Canada, 1905-1986, which I discussed with Nigel Beale in an interview this past summer.
-
Literature in the Digital Age
Working in French-Canadian literary criticism at Waterloo, I was delighted to discover in York University’s Archives a small treasure trove letters exchanged between Gabrielle Roy and Margaret Laurence, two Manitobans who became giants of French and English Canadian literature respectively. Most letters had never seen the light of day. Keep reading »
-
Panel to study improving education for First Nations
As reported in today’s Winnipeg Free Press, Indian Affairs Minister John Duncan announced Thursday he will appoint a panel of education experts to meet over the next several months and report back to him with recommendations. The panel will deliver a report with various options by the middle of 2011, Duncan said, and the options can even include possible legislation. Keep reading »
-
U of M Press launches new web site
Welcome to the new University of Manitoba Press web site! We hope you’ll stay a while and check out all the new features! Keep reading »
-
World AIDS Day
After more than twenty five years of HIV/AIDS in Africa, the distressing news is that the picture is not getting any better. True, thousands of people carrying the infection have had their lives prolonged through antiretroviral therapies that became available to the masses about five years ago. But alas, the rate of new infections in southern African countries
including Kenyaoutstrips the numbers who are getting ART. Prevention is still not working. Keep reading » -
Welcome to the U of M Press author blog
When you’re writing an academic paper, a blank page can be intimidating. When you’re doing something creative for the Internet, it can be doubly so. Response is immediate, if indeed anyone actually views your work, and it can be savage. But what if the Internet is really an invitation? Keep reading »
-
Episkenew wins First Peoples’ Writing Award
Jo-Ann Episkenew took home her second win on November 27th when she was awarded the First Peoples’ Writing Award at the Saskatchewan Book Awards for her book Taking Back Our Spirits: Indigenous Literature, Public Policy, and Healing. Keep reading »
-
Manitoba Apologizes to Sayisi Dene
A recent press release from the Manitoba Government reveals more about the relocation of the Sayisi Dene. “Read it here”:http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2010-8-01&item=9346. And, check out the book page for “Night Spirits: The Story of the Relocation of the Sayisi Dene”:http://uofmpress.ca/books/detail/night-spirits. Keep reading »
-
Restoring the Balance selected as Outstanding Academic Title
“Restoring the Balance: First Nations Women, Community, and Culture”:http://uofmpress.ca/books/detail/restoring-the-balance has been selected as a “Choice Magazine”:http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/choice/index.cfm Outstanding Academic Title of 2009. Congratulations to the editors: Gail, Madeleine, and Eric. Keep reading »