Five Elements Rhizome reading

Wanda Kehewin-John reads

First, Michelle Sylliboy, of the Aboriginal Writers Collective, thanked Parliamentary Poet Laureate Fred Wah for supporting the event. Then she explained the theme of the evening -- Five Elements -- Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. 

Backed by aboriginal voice and drum trio M'Girl, and emceed by artist and Indigenous Plant Diva Cease Wyss, the readings began with a poem by Larissa Lai.

Referring to the British East India Company, the nineteenth century explorer John Meares and a group of emigre Chinese carpenters and metalworkers, Ms. Lai's poem calls Canada "our home on native land." From that early history the poem also projects forward in time and forecasts "the global snowball" which was "already gathering steam."

The next reader, Jonina Kirton, read a poem on a Spiritual theme -- "Lake Manitou." She was followed by Janie Lew, reading a poem about the uses and abuses of rain water.

Wanda John-Kehewin was up next. Also using the element of water, her poignant poem on the pollution of our waters by industry was entitled "Stand by the last stream." Wanda's book of poetry, In the Dog House, will be launched by Talonbooks in April.

Writer and social justice activist Joanne Arnott read next, a powerful short poem called "The Teaching."

The next reader was the lively and energetic Poet Laureate of Victoria, Janet Marie Rogers. Describing a road trip to Sante Fe, her poem was entitled "Three-Day Road," and evoked Joseph Boyden's first powerful novel, which had the same title.

Kelly Roulette, a lawyer and broadcast journalist as well as a poet, closed the first set with a poem of spiritual seeking, asking "Where is the red road?"

Sadly, I had to leave at the break. The second half featured men as well as women. Stage and television writer Larry Nicholson, a Cree from Hobbema was one. Another was Alex Jacobs, graduate of the Institute of Indian Arts in Santa Fe, and former Program Director of CKON Mohawk Nation Radio.

Wish I'd had a chance to hear these readers, and the other second half presenters as well. The Rhizome Cafe was packed -- literally standing room only. It was a high-energy evening.