astra márta is an Anishinaabe from Manitoba and one of the survivors of the genocidal mandate by the Government of Canada, misnamed the 60s scoop. The mandate saw astra trafficked to an abusive white family in the unceded Mohawk territory of tiohtià:ke (Montreal) at the age of 8 months. Reading, and eventually writing, helped her through the toughest times which also led her to earn a BA in Sociology/Political Science. She then earned an honours BA in Religion, decolonizing academia’s understanding of First Nations “religions” with her thesis The Myth of Myth and Native Mythology. chi miigwech, big thank you is her first book!
Explore astra márta's books featured at this year's festival
Chi miigwech means big thank you in Anishinaabemowin.
We can say chi miigwech for the natural world, the plants and animals and even the creatures we cannot see. Chi miigwech for our basic needs like food and shelter and for everything we feel and experience. Chi miigwech for the Seven Grandfathers Teachings: truth, love, honesty, courage, humility, wisdom and respect. And chi miigwech for you!
Discover other incredible voices at this year’s Festival of Literary Diversity