Had a great school visit last month with several classes at D.R. Hamilton School, Cross Lake, Manitoba. I was telling the students that Canadian publishers are crying out for indigenous writers and suggested they write journals of their daily lives, hopes and dreams, collect stories from their parents and Elders, and create their own worlds and tales from their imaginations. As with all my school visits, I also told them a bit about myself, my Irish and Canadian identities, and my life and work as a writer. We had questions and answers, chats and laughter. I really appreciated the warm welcome I received from both staff and students. Ninâskomtin! In fact, I spent a week at Cross Lake and it was truly the highlight of my 6-week tour of Canada. Website: www.crosslakeband.ca. Note: Go raibh maith agat to to Culture Ireland/Cultúr Éireann for partial funding of my trip. [Photos are of school gym and Cross Lake administration office.]
