Reading the Writings of the First Nations of Quebec: History, Language, and Postcolonial Resonances

The editors introduce the project, speaking of its genesis in a Winthrop-King conference held at Florida State University in spring 2023, which brought together First Nations writers and activists from across the Americas. Focusing on Quebec, the introduction provides information on the development of First Nations writing there, starting with the work of An Antane Kapesh in the 1970s and including the recent boom that has seen the coming to prominence of figures such as Joséphine Bacon, Naomi Fontaine, Jean Sioui, Rita Mestokosho, and many others. The editors also outline some of the major critical works that have engaged with the literature, highlighting issues such as language, literacy, history, memory, and the persistent effects of colonization.