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The Gift of Listening: Colleen Baldrica on writing, being guided, and mentoring others

Native Lights December 19, 2024

In this episode, we chat with author and retired school counselor Colleen Baldrica.

Colleen, a White Earth Nation citizen, authored the book Tree Spirited Woman in 2006. During the pandemic, she recorded the audio version, so that her grandchildren could have an archive of her voice when they’re older.

Colleen shares the experience – central to her story – of being directed towards a life of writing as a young single mother. She describes how this spiritual experience shaped her personal framework and inspired her book. She also talks about her current joy of mentoring new authors, teaching writers to develop the courage to promote their work, and participating in a women’s writing group.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about the gift – and lesson – of listening with another talented Indigenous writer!

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More from Native Lights

  • Victoria Marie: Learning to Surrender
    Today, we’re excited to present Victoria Marie, an enrolled tribal member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. She’s the founder and owner of Indigenous Lotus, a wellness program that combines yoga classes, tribal dance, exercise and meditation with an emphasis on helping people cope with stress and trauma. Those stressors can include PTSD, homelessness, sexual exploitation and poverty.
  • Cole Redhorse Taylor: Creating Contemporary Work Through Connection to Traditional Art Forms
    Today, we’re excited to welcome Cole Redhorse Taylor to the Native Lights podcast. Cole is Mdewakanton Dakota and a member of the Prairie Island Indian Community. He’s an artist, and has worked in many mediums: drawing, painting, beadwork, quill work, hockey helmets. He’s created contemporary and traditional pieces heavily inspired by the artwork of his ancestors. And of course, if you’re a sports fan, you may have seen his collaborations with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Wild.
  • Carl Gawboy: Remembering the Fur Trade Through Art
    Today, we welcome Carl Gawboy to the Native Lights podcast. Carl, born to a Finnish mother and an Ojibwe father, was raised in Ely and is a member of the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe. Carl is an artist, whose primary medium is watercolors. But he turned to pen and ink for his recent graphic book Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History.
Previous Post: « Revisiting the Winter Art Market
Next Post: AIM Leader Frank Paro Passes On and Minneapolis “Sioux Chef” Earns Pathfinder Award »

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