Kahsenniyo Williams was the Eastern Comma Writer-in Residence at North House at the RARE charitable research reserve in Cambridge, Ontario, this fall, 2018. This episode of Bookish Radio features Kahsenniyo reading & performing her poetry at the Woodlands Cultural Center in Brantford, Ontario, for the closing reception of her residency on November 5th, 2018.

Former writers at the RARE Eastern Comma Residency have included  Karen Houle, Lee Maracle, Marlene Creates and Don McKay, and Janet Rogers. The program has now transitioned into an Indigenous-specific writer-in-residence program and is a collaboration between RARE and Guelph-based arts foundation, Musagetes.

Kahsenniyo Williams is a spoken word artist from the Mohawk Nation Wolf Clan. Kahsenniyo began utilizing her poetry as a tool for social change and community engagement in 2008. Her work is centered around Indigenous issues. She aims to educate non-Indigenous people about the struggles, beauty, and realities facing Indigenous people. Her work also attempts to create moments of understanding, connection, and healing for Indigenous People. Kahsenniyo transforms her love for her community and people through her passionate performances.

[bio from Musagetes.]

The rare Charitable Research Reserve is a 900+ acre land trust and home to beautiful and culturally significant landscapes that include trees more than 240 years old. Rich in biodiversity, rare is home to plants and animals which are ranked significant regionally, provincially, nationally, and even globally. The reserve strives to preserve the land for future generations by focusing on conservation, ecological restoration, research, education, and passive recreation opportunities to the surrounding community. For more information please visit raresites.org.

Introductory music for this program is from Anishnaabekwe singer -songwriter Ansley Simpson’s song, “Breakwall.”