The following is a guest post by one of our BHRC members:
South Dakota Festival of Books: “Where Readers and Writers Rendezvous”
Colby Christensen
Instructional Support Teacher, RCAS High Schools
Black Hills Reading Council Member
On Saturday, October 8th, I attended the Festival of Books in Deadwood, South Dakota. Though the weather was rainy and chilly, the inspiring presentations given by many passionate and talented authors and artists made the experience well worth the trip! Following are a few highlights of the sessions and presenters that I observed.
My first session of the day was facilitated by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, a local author, who shared her recently-published children’s book entitled The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood. As she read, Virginia, who was born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, took time to relate a few personal memories of her family and childhood that were not included in the book. Though she stated that there were inaccuracies in a couple of the book’s illustrations, she indicated that she was pleased overall with the result of her book. The book is written for elementary children, but would be a valuable learning experience about Lakota culture and tradition and an enjoyable read for people of all ages. Virginia’s first book was released in 1972. Since then, she has published twenty-six books, and numerous short stories, articles, and poems.
Later in the morning, I attended a session entitled “Native Voice: A Female Perspective.” During the session, noted female authors Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, Diane Glancy (www.dianeglancy.com ), Larissa Fast Horse (www.hoganhorsestudio.com ), Allison Hedge Coke (www.hedgecoke.com ), Susan Power, and Delphine Red Shirt each shared powerfully moving stories or samples of work from their professional journeys.
World-renowned artist and illustrator Don Montileaux, whose work has received nearly twenty awards and commissions, reflected on his personal journey in becoming an artist. He shared about the significant impact that a personal mentor had on his life as a youth. He also spoke candidly about two works of which he is most proud: Tatanka and the Lakota People: A Creation Story, and The Enchanted Buffalo. Not only is Don a talented artist, but he is a very engaging storyteller!
The festival’s main event was a conversation with noted Lakota author and South Dakota native Joseph Marshall III, who spoke about the 2011 One Book South Dakota, The Journey of Crazy Horse. Though I was not able to attend this event, I did have the opportunity to listen to the author speak about his book earlier in the week in Rapid City. During his presentation, he spoke with heartfelt sincerity about the importance of knowing one’s identity and family history. He shared a story about long walks he took as a youth with his grandfather along the Little White River on the Rosebud Reservation. During the walks, his grandfather would occasionally stop, ask Joseph to look back at the path they had just traveled, and exhort him to “always remember where he came from.” Joseph also indicated that he writes to dispel myths/falsehoods that are “out there,” and to give a different perspective on significant historical events. Though Crazy Horse is widely known for his strong leadership qualities and battlefield exploits, Joseph Marshall reveals a much different (and lesser-known) perspective of the great Oglala chief as a gentle, humble man who loved his people and made many personal sacrifices for their benefit.
In addition to the many breakout sessions, participants could meet the authors, have books signed, and browse books at the Deadwood Pavilion. Though this was my first chance to participate in the annual event, I look forward with great anticipation to return visits! If you have not yet had a chance to visit the Festival of Books, (or even if you have), I highly recommend that you make plans to do so in the future!
South Dakota Festival of Books: “Where Readers and Writers Rendezvous”
Colby Christensen
Instructional Support Teacher, RCAS High Schools
Black Hills Reading Council Member
On Saturday, October 8th, I attended the Festival of Books in Deadwood, South Dakota. Though the weather was rainy and chilly, the inspiring presentations given by many passionate and talented authors and artists made the experience well worth the trip! Following are a few highlights of the sessions and presenters that I observed.
My first session of the day was facilitated by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, a local author, who shared her recently-published children’s book entitled The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood. As she read, Virginia, who was born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, took time to relate a few personal memories of her family and childhood that were not included in the book. Though she stated that there were inaccuracies in a couple of the book’s illustrations, she indicated that she was pleased overall with the result of her book. The book is written for elementary children, but would be a valuable learning experience about Lakota culture and tradition and an enjoyable read for people of all ages. Virginia’s first book was released in 1972. Since then, she has published twenty-six books, and numerous short stories, articles, and poems.
Later in the morning, I attended a session entitled “Native Voice: A Female Perspective.” During the session, noted female authors Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, Diane Glancy (www.dianeglancy.com ), Larissa Fast Horse (www.hoganhorsestudio.com ), Allison Hedge Coke (www.hedgecoke.com ), Susan Power, and Delphine Red Shirt each shared powerfully moving stories or samples of work from their professional journeys.
World-renowned artist and illustrator Don Montileaux, whose work has received nearly twenty awards and commissions, reflected on his personal journey in becoming an artist. He shared about the significant impact that a personal mentor had on his life as a youth. He also spoke candidly about two works of which he is most proud: Tatanka and the Lakota People: A Creation Story, and The Enchanted Buffalo. Not only is Don a talented artist, but he is a very engaging storyteller!
The festival’s main event was a conversation with noted Lakota author and South Dakota native Joseph Marshall III, who spoke about the 2011 One Book South Dakota, The Journey of Crazy Horse. Though I was not able to attend this event, I did have the opportunity to listen to the author speak about his book earlier in the week in Rapid City. During his presentation, he spoke with heartfelt sincerity about the importance of knowing one’s identity and family history. He shared a story about long walks he took as a youth with his grandfather along the Little White River on the Rosebud Reservation. During the walks, his grandfather would occasionally stop, ask Joseph to look back at the path they had just traveled, and exhort him to “always remember where he came from.” Joseph also indicated that he writes to dispel myths/falsehoods that are “out there,” and to give a different perspective on significant historical events. Though Crazy Horse is widely known for his strong leadership qualities and battlefield exploits, Joseph Marshall reveals a much different (and lesser-known) perspective of the great Oglala chief as a gentle, humble man who loved his people and made many personal sacrifices for their benefit.
In addition to the many breakout sessions, participants could meet the authors, have books signed, and browse books at the Deadwood Pavilion. Though this was my first chance to participate in the annual event, I look forward with great anticipation to return visits! If you have not yet had a chance to visit the Festival of Books, (or even if you have), I highly recommend that you make plans to do so in the future!