Indigenous voices in focus: Drew Hayden Taylor's COLD inspires in Flensburg!

Indigenous voices in focus: Drew Hayden Taylor's COLD inspires in Flensburg!

On November 4th at 5 p.m., Flemish soil will become a stage for the literary finesse of the indigenous Canadian writer and playwright Drew Hayden Taylor. The event will take place at the European University of Flensburg, in the Talin 007 building and will be part of a reading of his latest novel “COLD”, which was translated into German for the first time. This reading is presented in both German and English, which gives special meaning to the approach of translator Leo Strohm.

“COLD” opens with a dramatic plane crash that leaves the survivors, a pilot and a journalist, doomed in the harsh Ontario desert. In parallel, the plot follows Elmore Trent, a professor of Indigenous literature, who is trying to put the pieces of a damaged marriage back together after an affair. In addition, Paul North, an ice hockey player, is confronted with the approaching end of his career. These characters are intertwined, their stories bundled together in a web of challenges that offers both humorous and profound perspectives on Indigenous issues.

The mixture of myth and modernity

In his new work, Taylor integrates traditional Indigenous stories with modern Toronto storytelling elements. The story is described as a mysterious thriller that is given additional dimensions by working with subtle humor. Taylor describes humor as the “WD40 of healing,” underscoring his belief in an important role in Indigenous literature. His stories reflect not only the challenges of modern life, but also the need to preserve historical and cultural roots.

The story of “COLD” was originally conceived about 20 years ago as a horror film called “Wendigo” and has evolved over time. Loud APTN News The novel is already described by experts as an indigenous version of “X-Files”. The bonds between characters and the threatening plot twists reflect not only personal conflicts, but also the complexity of collective experiences deeply rooted in indigenous history.

The Future of Indigenous Storytelling

In an interview about modern forms of storytelling, Taylor highlights the shift from traditional oral storytelling to platforms such as literature, theater and film. It is critical to maintain the integrity of Indigenous perspectives while adapting these narratives to new media. “Indigenous science fiction is gaining traction,” Taylor said. Examples include works such as Waubgeshig Rice's Moon of the Crusted Snow and Danis Goulet's Night Raiders, which help bring Indigenous voices into the future.

In addition to writing, Drew Hayden Taylor will be appearing in the third season of Going Native, which airs on APTN. During this new season, he will explore various regions including the Yucatan Peninsula and New Zealand, further enriching his diverse perspective and cultural depth. It is a fascinating combination of tradition, modern influence and a constant curiosity about the world that shapes Taylor's works.

The event at the European University of Flensburg, organized by the Institute of English and American Studies in cooperation with the bookstore am Plack, the Canada Council and Merlin-Verlag, promises not only a captivating reading, but also a valuable dialogue about indigenous topics and the evolutionary steps of storytelling.