Life and work of Big Little-Bird

Culture

The American society thorough the eyes of a Native American poet

12 February 2014, Wednesday

5 pm to 7 pm

 

Presenter: Jim Northrup

Moderator: Dr. Szathmári Judit, Assistant Professor North American Department, University of Debrecen

Venue: American Corner Debrecen. Méliusz Juhász Péter Könyvtár Központi Könyvtára 4026 Debrecen, Bem tér 19.

The U.S. Embassy Budapest and the American Corner Debrecen are proud to present Jim Northrup, a poet, performer and political commentator from the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation in Minnesota. Mr. Northrup and his family live the traditional life of the Anishinaabe (Native American) people, which includes making winnowing baskets and harvesting wild rice and maple syrup. Jim often tells stories through the perspective of his immediate family and uses a folksy style to make points about United States – Native American interactions. In his writings, he describes life on the reservation with candor and wry humor. Jim Northrup is an award-winning journalist who writes a syndicated column, Fond du Lac Follies, which is distributed in The Circle, The Native American Press, and News From Indian Country. http://thecirclenews.org/. His writing is known for its warm humor with sharply political undertones. Born in the Government Hospital on the reservation, Jim Northup went to school at the Pipestone Indian School, where he was physically abused by teachers and fellow students. He grew up to become a tough street fighter, unafraid to give his views. Service in Vietnam and a surfeit of family tragedy have added to his strong voice. He courageously addresses the darker side of life.

A collection of Jim Northrup’s poems has been recently published in Hungary with a title deriving from his Anishinaabe name “Chibenashi” (“Big little-bird”). He will read his poems, tell about his career as a writer and provide insight into the lives of Native Americans in contemporary American society. Mr. Northrup’s Hungarian translator was Gabor G. Gyukics. The Embassy is grateful to Mr. Gyukics for his contribution to this project.

Admission is free.

The language of the program is English with interpretation.

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