By Andy Dutfield
On October 8, we were privileged to have Cheryl Parisien as our guest writer, discussing her novel, The Unweaving.
The book tells the tale of a Red River Métis family, at a time of encroaching colonialism. In 1869, the arrival of surveyors from the new Dominion of Canada sent ripples of anxiety through the people of Red River. As the Métis National begins negotiating terms for joining the Confederation, each member of the Rougeau family adapted in their own way.
After a short introduction by the Guild’s Susan Rocan, Cheryl, whose Métis ancestors lived along the Red River in St. Norbert, read from her book. Her debut novel is based loosely on her own family history. She did considerable research, providing a real sense of what life was like in the late 1860’s. It was a pivotal time in the history of Manitoba.
After the reading, there was a lengthy question and answer session. It was an informative and engaging evening. We wish Cheryl all the best with her book.
“We are like the sash, woven together from different peoples and traditions, making something new, beautiful, and strong.”