an afternoon of Queer Indigenous Poetry
Jun 20 | 2 – 3pm | Poetry Reading |
Or Gallery | Free
I Love Them By The Edge: an afternoon of Queer Indigenous Poetry ruminates on themes explored in Vance Wright’s solo exhibition of the same name, which was installed at Or Gallery from Jan 22nd – May 2nd of this year. Join us for an intimate poetry reading that further explores Queer Indigenous expression relating to oneself, to others, to land, and to desire. Facilitated by Vance Wright, readers include Justin Ducharme; full artist roster to be announced.
This program is free and open to all. Presented in partnership with Or Gallery.
Participant Bios
Vance Wright
Vance Wright (they/them) is a reconnecting two-spirit member of the Tl’azt’en Nation, and was raised on the unceded territories of the Sinixt Nation in what is colonially known as Nelson BC. Currently residing in the occupied and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations in Vancouver, they are an emerging artist, curator and writer. They hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University, with a major in Critical and Cultural Practices and a minor in Curatorial Studies. Their artwork has been exhibited in the Contemporary Native Art Biennial (BACA), as well as artist-run centres such as Massy Arts Society or Oxygen Art Centre.
Justin Ducharme
Justin Ducharme is a writer and filmmaker from the Métis community of St. Ambroise on Treaty 1 Territory. He is an alumni of the 2022 Sundance Institute’s Native Film Lab, TIFF’s 2022 Filmmaker Lab and the 2024 TIFF Every Story Accelerator with his debut feature film project SEVENTEEN. Justin is the co-editor of Hustling Verse: An Anthology of Sex Workers Poetry published by Arsenal Pulp Press. His writing has been featured in Canadian Art, Room Magazine, Prism International and The Positive Side. He currently lives and works on the Unceded Coast Salish Territory colonially known as Vancouver.
