New collection from the award-nominated Indigenous (Secwepemc) poet; A deep look at life in the First Nations communities in Canada today; Some very dark poems about the conditions on First Nations reserves, but the land usually saves the day; Cover design by Secwepemc artist Tania Willard. COMP. TITLES: Injun, Jordan Abel (2016, Talonbooks); river woman, Katherena Vermette (2018, House of Anansi); This Wound is a World, Billy Ray Belcourt (2017, Frontenac House).

Garry Gottfriedson, from the Secwepemc nation (Shuswap), was born, raised and lives in Kamloops, B.C. Growing up on a ranch in a ranching and rodeo family, he has been fully immersed in his people’s traditions and spirituality. He comes from four generations of horse people. His passion for horses, raising and training them, still continues to this day. He holds a Master of Education from Simon Fraser University and has studied Creative Writing at the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado. His published works include 100 Years of Contact (SCES, 1990); In Honour of Our Grandmothers (Theytus, 1994); Glass Tepee (Thistledown, 2002, and nominated for First People’s Publishing Award 2004); Painted Pony (Partners in Publishing, 2005); Whiskey Bullets (Ronsdale, 2006, and Anskohk Aboriginal Award finalist); Skin Like Mine (Ronsdale, 2010, and shortlisted for Canadian Authors Association Award for Poetry); Jimmy Tames Horses (Kegedonce, 2012); Chaos Inside Thunderstorms (Ronsdale, 2014); Deaf Heaven (Ronsdale, 2016). His works have been anthologized both nationally and internationally. He has read from his work across Canada and in the USA, Europe and Asia.

Garry Gottfriedson's profile page

“Garry Gottfriedson rides double, calling out the violence and corruption he’s seen, while reminding us that grounded strength comes from staying connected to grandmothers, grandfathers and the land.” —Rita Wong, author of Forage

“Heartbreakingly honest, clever and tough.” —Richard Van Camp

“These poems mark a trail of intimate transformation, of fierce questioning.” —Joy Harjo, poet, musician and activist