Jeannette Armstrong is a prominent Indigenous author known for her powerful exploration of themes such as identity, cultural heritage, and the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities. She has written several books that have garnered widespread acclaim for their insightful and thought-provoking narratives.
Jeannette Armstrong Books in Order
- Slash
- Whispering in Shadows
- Native Poetry in Canada: A Contemporary Anthology
- Dancing With the Cranes
- Neekna and Chemai
- Breath Tracks
- This is a Story
- The Native Creative Process: A Collaborative Discourse between Douglas Cardinal and Jeannette Armstrong with photographs by Greg Young-Ing
- Okanagan Women’s Voices: Syilx and settler writing and relations, 1870s to 1960s
- Enwhisteetkwa Walk in Water
Synopsis of Jeannette Armstrong Books in Order
Slash
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Whispering in Shadows
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Native Poetry in Canada: A Contemporary Anthology
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Dancing With the Cranes
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Neekna and Chemai
Neekna and Chemai is a traditional Okanagan story passed down through generations. The story is retold by Jeannette Armstrong, an Okanagan author and educator, and it revolves around the lives of Neekna and Chemai, twins born to the Okanagan people. As the twins grow up, they are faced with various challenges and experiences that are reflective of the culture and traditions of the Okanagan people.
The narrative explores the close connection between the twins as they navigate their world and the spiritual and natural realms that surround them. Neekna and Chemai’s journey is filled with encounters with different animals, plants, and landscapes, all of which carry deeper symbolic meanings within the Okanagan culture. Through their experiences, the twins learn essential lessons about the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of respecting and preserving the balance of the natural world.
Jeannette Armstrong’s retelling of Neekna and Chemai offers readers an insightful glimpse into the traditional Okanagan way of life, as well as the values and beliefs that shape their culture. The story is a beautiful representation of the profound connection between humans and nature and serves as a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with the natural world. Armstrong’s storytelling presents an engaging and educational experience for readers of all ages, offering a unique perspective on indigenous wisdom and traditions.
Breath Tracks
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This is a Story
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The Native Creative Process: A Collaborative Discourse between Douglas Cardinal and Jeannette Armstrong with photographs by Greg Young-Ing
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Okanagan Women’s Voices: Syilx and settler writing and relations, 1870s to 1960s
“Okanagan Women’s Voices: Syilx and settler writing and relations, 1870s to 1960s” by Jeannette Armstrong explores the voices and experiences of women from the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation and settler women in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book delves into the complex interplay of colonialism, gender, and culture, examining how these factors shaped the lives and writings of women during this transformative period.
Through a combination of archival research and literary analysis, Armstrong sheds light on the diverse ways in which Syilx and settler women expressed themselves and engaged with one another. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and amplifying the voices of Indigenous women, who have often been marginalized or silenced in historical narratives. By centering their perspectives, Armstrong offers a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic relationships and power dynamics that characterized the Okanagan region during this time.
Ultimately, “Okanagan Women’s Voices” provides a rich and insightful exploration of the complexities of gender, culture, and colonialism in the Okanagan region. By foregrounding the voices of Syilx and settler women, Armstrong offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about Indigenous experiences and histories in Canada. The book invites readers to consider the varied ways in which women navigated and resisted the forces of colonialism, and the enduring impact of their stories on the present day.
Enwhisteetkwa Walk in Water
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About Jeannette Armstrong
Jeannette Armstrong (1948) is a respected writer, poet, teacher, and artist who was born and raised on the Penticton Indian Reserve, one of eight Syilx (Okanagan) reserves located in both Canada and the United States. She is a fluent speaker of the Syilx language, Nsyilxcn, and is a knowledge keeper of plant medicines, Syilx traditions, and cultural protocols. She is also a strong voice in Indigenous environmental ethics. Armstrong has been writing since she was fifteen years old and has had many of her short stories and poems published in journals and anthologies. In addition to her literary accomplishments, Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Victoria and a PhD from the University of Greifswald, Germany. She has also received honorary doctorates from St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, and the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Currently, Armstrong is an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies and a Canada Research Chair in Okanagan Indigenous Philosophy at UBC Okanagan, where she continues to research and document Okanagan Syilx oral literature in Nsyilxcn.
Jeannette Armstrong’s extensive body of work reflects her deep connection to her Indigenous ancestry, and her dedication to preserving and sharing the knowledge and values of her people. Through novels, poetry, and non-fiction, Armstrong explores issues of identity, cultural preservation, and the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities. Her writing serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples, while also highlighting the importance of respecting and preserving diverse cultural traditions. Armstrong’s work provides invaluable insights into the complexities of Indigenous experiences and offers a profound critique of colonial hierarchies, making her an essential voice in contemporary literature.
FAQs about author Jeannette Armstrong
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