Writer Feature: Annie Wesley
The Writer's Notebook
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The Writer's Notebook *
Annie Wesley is a Muskego Cree from Northern Ontario. She is one of IHRAM Press’s treasured writers. In this interview, Annie shares her musings, inspiration, and honest thoughts on her experience with us as an author and activist.
Her latest publication with IHRAM Press, “Ni-Danis, ‘My Daughter’” is featured in the IHRAM Quarter 4 Literary Magazine: Heart, Hope, and Land — Indigenous Voices.
Thank you for all you do, Annie.
Now, be honest, how has your experience been with IHRAM Press? How did you find us, and why did you choose to publish with us?
I discovered IHRAM through the Alexander Writing Center in Calgary, Alberta. Precious Deleon and Kelly Kaur were instrumental in submitting my story.
Would you recommend IHRAM Press to other writers/artists?
YES. Your mission is a worthy cause in creating global awareness by promoting and publishing voices rarely heard by oppressed people.
Share a quote from your poem published in IHRAM Literary Magazine 2024!
Her face creased with pain; she sat again. “Ashie pay sho na kwan. Ashsi gegat gow to ten. Not far now, I’ll make it.”
She rushed her steps and like a dream, she was inside her house again.
Now for the fun questions! What compels you to pick up a pen or open your laptop to free-write? And what inspires/influences your writing, particularly when it comes to addressing human rights issues?
It is easier for me to journal or to write than to verbally express myself. That is why I pick up a pen to write what my heart wants to say about addiction, spiritual reflections, sorrow, and hope of our people. My life's journey has crossed many trails.
The human rights concerns addressed in the IHRAM literary magazine are often complex and challenging to navigate. How do you navigate the balance between highlighting these challenges and maintaining a sense of hope or optimism in your writing?
I give personal examples at times, and I highlight that there is always help from both the spiritual level and physical level, mental and emotional levels. Believing in our Creator, who is the Lord of all things, and also in the courage and faith of our Ancestors who walked and continue to "Walk the Trail of Tears." Surprising events, miracles, and doors open when we don't give up.
How do you personally connect with our mission? Particularly on the power of art and literature to influence social change, and our values of beauty as a fundamental creative principle, sincerity, vulnerability, celebrating diversity, and opening doorways of engagement.
Visual expression has power. It touches the heart as does the WORD. We identify with what we read and see. It invites us to improve and change in our daily lives. It brings beauty and hope.
The IHRAM magazine aims to celebrate authors contending with their identities within the context of their environments. How does your environment influence your view of the world (your home country, city, and surrounding culture)?
At my age of 85, I am hopefully wiser in understanding my world of differences. People from all over the world now share our country. I empathize with those who suffer racist treatment. Our identity as First Nations needs to remain intact and stronger.
In comparison, how does your intersectionality influence your view of the world (your personal beliefs, gender expression, religious affiliations, etc.)?
Education and accepting differences among people help us to stand firm in knowing who we are and what we want to achieve. I am a Roman Catholic, and also a believer in Cultural Traditions. I have learned to integrate Cultural Traditions with my faith.
Support Activist Writers
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Support Activist Writers *
Read and enjoy all of Annie’s work:
found in My Home As I Remember (Natural Heritage Books, May 2000), and in Canada Missions magazine, The Times Star paper, Ponoka Herald, Edmonton Journal, Thunder Bay News.
