b'INDIGENOUS STORYTELLING A selection of books from Kegedonce Press, one of the few Indigenous publishers in Canadarevitalization, or being able to share stories from their area, nation orWhen it comes to the future outlook of Indigenous storytelling, culture to preserve and pass them down. These are as important asthe message of resiliency is coming forward more and more and the number of books sold for many Indigenous writers. That doesntAnderson stresses that its an important message to share for future have to be a discussion, we understand and support that. generations. We are all in this together, he says, and its up to all of us to decide what well do for our children and the generations NEW INSIGHT after them. Historically, meaning and context were often lost in translation when Indigenous stories were told from the angle of settlers. Today, Indigenous voices are being heard loud and clear from coast to coast to coast, and inaccurate perceptions from the not-so-distant past are slowly being changed. This opens up a new world to readers of all backgrounds. Authors are presenting stories to say, Theres more to us than what Hollywood has presented and what you may have grown up with, says Anderson. When you read Indigenous authors, or hear Elders stories, theyre different. Theres an essence to it, intuitive almost. Indigenous authors write from their heart and theres a truth to that.That new narrative is becoming commercially successful. According to Akiwenzie-Damm, the commercial book industry has shifted tremendously, in terms of reception to Indigenous storytelling. When Kegedonce Press started, most publishers were not interested in Indigenous storytelling. Now its a lot bigger with more acceptance and more writers. Publishers are actively seeking Indigenous writers. This positive upward trend still comes with a precariousness under-neath it all which hasnt changed as much as Id like to see, notes Akiwenzie-Damm. She goes on to explain: Funding is more stable, but there is still so much developmental work to do for Indigenous publishing. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done. I fear this idea of Indigenous literature being hot right now, and that when its no longer hot the books wont be accepted. Its important that Kegedonce Press survive and thrive in this current climate.While learning about the negative aspects of Canadas past relation-ship with its Indigenous peoples continues to be an important part of true reconciliation, Anderson stresses that its equally important for Indigenous literature to highlight the positive, life-affirming stories Indigenous writers also have to share. Goodminds, for instance, often focuses on resiliency through Indigenous stories. Despite all thats happened and [the systemic factors] against us, we always celebrate life, Anderson says. We are working with our authors and customers to celebrate life with these good books that are there to share.Ontario Native Womens Association71'