Notice Board

Authors Jessica Johns and Henry Heavyshield will visit the University of Lethbridge for two days of activities. 

Jessica Johns is a nehiyaw aunty with English-Irish ancestry and a member of Sucker Creek First Nation in Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta. Her debut novel, Bad Cree, was championed on Canada Reads 2024, shortlisted for the Amazon first novel award, and won the MacEwan Book of the Year prize.  

Henry Heavyshield is a Blackfoot reader and writer from Kainai (Blood Tribe First Nation). He is a Writers’ Trust Bronwen Wallace Award (2024) and Indigenous Voices Awards finalist for short fiction. His poetry has also been featured in The Capilano Review, Contemporary Verse 2, Riddle Fence, ARC Poetry, Ex- Puritan, and anthologized in Best Canadian Poetry 2025. He gratefully keeps a day job in Communications and Public Arts. 

Wednesday, March 12  

Panel Discussion 10:30 – 11:45 a.m., The Atrium (in front of the Iikaisskini Gathering Centre) 

• Both Jessica Johns and Henry Heavyshield will discuss their creative work and the future of Indigenous and Canadian literatures. 

Welcoming Ceremony 1 – 1:30 p.m., Iikaisskini Gathering Centre 

• Join us in a traditional ceremonial welcome by Elder Francis First Child / Ninnaisipistoo. There will be smudging at the Ceremony. 

Thursday, March 13 

Public Reading & Book Signing, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Science Commons Theatre (SA8002) 

• Read Johns’ cautionary tale of a young woman haunted by nightmarish visions – and bring your book to get signed! Light refreshments will be available. 

Hosted by the Indigenous Writers Series, with thanks to our sponsors: University Library and the Departments of Indigenous Studies and English, Iikaisskini Student Services, the Modern Languages Association, and SSHRC.