Lakefield Literary Festival to Host "Sons of Tecumseh" Novel Discussion with Maurice Switzer

The Lakefield Literary Festival has announced an upcoming novel discussion event with author, journalist and educator Maurice Switzer on April 9.

photo courtesy of lakefield literary festival.

Taking place at the Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield), the event will centre on Switzer’s latest novel, Sons of Tecumseh, an exploration of Indigenous political reality and the enduring challenge of unity.

Maurice Switzer is a citizen of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, where his maternal grandfather served as Chief over a century ago. A member of the Order of Ontario, Switzer’s career spans roles as a publisher and editor at five Canadian newspapers, communications director for the Assembly of First Nations and adjunct professor at Laurentian University. He is the author of the widely acclaimed treaty education book We Are All Treaty People.

In Sons of Tecumseh, Switzer introduces readers to Billy Favell, the newly elected National Chief of the Congress of First Nations. Through the eyes of Favell and his advisor Peshu Butler, a descendant of the historic leader Tecumseh, the novel sheds light on the complex relationships that govern Indigenous lives today and serves as both an entertaining narrative and vital illumination of modern Indigenous politics.

Joining the conversation as moderator is Jackson Pind, a mixed Settler-Anishinaabe Historian and Assistant Professor at Trent University. Pind, the author of Students by Day: Colonialism and Resistance at the Curve Lake Indian Day School, brings a wealth of historical context to what promises to be a profound discussion on leadership, legacy and resistance.

The event starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $30, available at Happenstance Books and Yarns (44 Queen St., Lakefield) or online.

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