Indigenous Novels, Indigenized Worlds: Exploring the Indigenization of Fictional Worlds

Contemporary American and Canadian Indigenous novelists create fictional worlds that offer unique access to Indigenous experiences, providing insights for readers of all ages about Indigenous people and themselves.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Contemporary American and Canadian Indigenous novelists have created fictional worlds that offer unique access to the lived experiences of Indigenous people, both past, present, and future. These worlds are often inaccessible to non-Indigenous readers, but through sustained immersion in these fictional worlds, readers aged 10-16 can gain valuable insights about Indigenous people and themselves. In these worlds, Indigenous people are foregrounded, active, autonomous, respected, and valued, allowing readers to explore their cultures, traditions, and perspectives in a meaningful way.

One of the key themes in these fictional worlds is the struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. Many of these novels explore the historical and ongoing effects of colonialism and assimilation on Indigenous communities, and the ways in which Indigenous people have resisted and fought back against these forces. Through the characters and their experiences, readers can learn about the importance of cultural preservation, language revitalization, and the fight for environmental justice.

Another important theme in these fictional worlds is the importance of family and community. Many of these novels feature strong family bonds and community relationships, and the ways in which these relationships can provide support and resilience in the face of adversity. Readers can learn about the importance of respecting and honoring one's ancestors and the importance of maintaining cultural traditions and practices.

In addition to these themes, these fictional worlds also offer a glimpse into the future of Indigenous communities. Many of these novels explore the potential for Indigenous people to thrive in the modern world, and the ways in which they can contribute to society in meaningful ways. Readers can learn about the achievements of Indigenous people in fields such as art, literature, science, and politics, and the ways in which they can inspire others to pursue their dreams.

One of the challenges that contemporary American and Canadian Indigenous novelists face is the lack of recognition and support for their work. Many of these novels are published by small independent publishers, and they may not receive the same level of attention and promotion as mainstream novels. This can make it difficult for these novels to reach a wider audience and for Indigenous authors to earn a living from their writing.

Despite these challenges, there has been a growing movement to promote and celebrate Indigenous literature. Many organizations and institutions are working to increase the visibility of Indigenous literature and to provide support for Indigenous authors. This includes the publication of anthologies and collections of Indigenous literature, the hosting of literary festivals and events, and the development of educational programs and resources.

In conclusion, the fictional worlds created by contemporary American and Canadian Indigenous novelists for young people provide unique access to the lived experiences of Indigenous people, past, present, and future. Through sustained immersion in these fictional worlds, readers aged 10-16 can gain valuable insights about Indigenous people and themselves, and can learn about the importance of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, family and community, and the future of Indigenous communities. While there are challenges to promoting and celebrating Indigenous literature, there has been a growing movement to address these issues and to ensure that these novels reach a wider audience.

Weight: 431g
Dimension: 236 x 158 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781475860481