The Author Spotlight Series shines a light on writers creating heartfelt and original work across genres, giving them an opportunity to talk about their books and why they do what they do.

 

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To submit an author for consideration, email editors@myentertainmentworld.ca.

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“Corinne George is Wet’suwet’en from the Gidimt’en Clan (Bear Clan). She has a Master of Arts in history from the University of Calgary. With extensive experience in research, writing, and teaching, Corinne strives for Truth and Reconciliation in all aspects of her life. Having spent many years living in both Alberta and British Columbia, she currently lives in C’iggiz, Gidimt’en, Wet’suwet’en territory, and is the Regional Principal of the College of New Caledonia – Burns Lake Campus.”

 

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I am not sure that there was ever an exact moment in time when I decided I wanted to write. Throughout my grade school years I enjoyed writing and that passion continued through my life.

 

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?

When I was in grade 5, I wrote a story for a creative writing assignment. In the story, I ate some M & M’s that were magical and transported me into the future where my hometown had become a desert of sand dunes and there were very few people residing there. In the future, everything was spelled backwards. For example, the town of Smithers became the “town of Srehtims.” The gist of my grade five essay was centered on a vision that everything would be drastically different in the future.

 

How did you develop your skills?

When in high school, I wrote for the school newspaper and I enjoyed writing essays but also excelled in written assignments. As I moved through various levels of post-secondary, I continued to enjoy writing and embraced all opportunities to excel in essays and written assignments. It was important for me to write about a wide array of topics and reach beyond my understandings in order to sharpen my writing skills.

 

Who are some of your biggest literary influences? Do you have a favourite book/author?

At a very important turning point in my life, Iyanla Vanzant’s Yesterday, I Cried… was a book to which I very much related as I sought answers and comfort in the early part of my healing journey. Dr. Sarah Carter (one of my Master of Arts supervisors) was also one of my biggest literary influences.

 

How would you describe your work?

My work focuses on Aboriginal history and/or the history of Aboriginal women. Having been born and raised on what is now known as the “Highway of Tears,” the historical circumstances of Aboriginal women have been near and dear to my heart. My lived experiences add a critical perspective when writing about Aboriginal issues or historical circumstances in connection to Aboriginal women. Most of my work is scholarly or written primarily for education. My most recent book: Alha Disnii” is written for a wide audience and discloses a great deal and varying levels of my personal experiences.

 

What’s your writing process like?

Most recently, my intent to write about my life and personal experiences had been percolating for quite a few years, particularly during the time I was working on my Master of Arts Degree. As a result, after numerous moments of attempting to start the book, I finally decided one day to write the book. I decided it was time to share my story and to share my experiences for so many reasons and in particular because of this time of Truth and Reconciliation. Once I started to write, I awoke early every morning and wrote. I sat at my computer as early as 3AM in the morning and wrote until I went to work. Everything flowed. It was almost as though once the story started to surface, it was unstoppable.

 

Tell us about your most recent book.

Alha Disnii: My Truth- Words from a Wet’suwet’en woman is an overview of my life experiences. I disclosed some of my most traumatic and painful experiences. I did not disclose all. To be honest, there were so many more experiences than what I shared in this book. That said, I wanted to share my truth with others and that others will hopefully understand that they are not alone in their trauma. I also want others to try to understand what so many of us as Aboriginal people have gone through. I not only shared of my trauma and painful experiences, I also shared about my connection to my ancestors and I upheld my great grandparents, my grandparents, and my parents. Furthermore, I shared my hope and dreams of a society based on truth… and then Reconciliation.

 

What are you working on now/next?

My life is full. I currently have a full-time job and I am also the primary caregiver for my beautiful matriarch. In addition, I strive to stay connected with my culture and all other responsibilities. Currently, I am not working on any further publications.