Albert Dumont
Poet / Writer / Storyteller / Artist
Albert writes to encourage healing; using the power of words for healing through poetry and storytelling; through words reflecting the wisdom of the forest, of the rivers and lakes, of the birds, animals and fish and of Elders and of children.
Books
I am a Human Being – Anthology, 2022
Avec le vent et les hommes de poussière, 2021
Grandpa’s Wisdom – An Algonquin Reflection on West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease, 2020
Sitting by the Rapids, 2018
The Maple Leaves of Kichi Makwa, 2011
Of Trees and Their Wisdom, 2009
Broad Winged Hawk, 2007
With the Wind and Men of Dust, 2001
Councils of Encouragement, 1994
Videos
Ottawa school teaching kids history of residential schools
APTN May 20, 2015
http://aptn.ca/news/2015/05/20/ottawa-school-teaching-kids-history-residential-schools/
Ottawa children honour residential school survivors with art
CBC June 10, 2015
http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/ottawa-children-honour-residential-school-survivors-with-art-1.3108623
Aboriginal Poets: Albert Dumont
AANDC (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada), 2014
https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1401135185522/1401135328521
Albert Dumont request for blessing at National Gallery of Canada for SAKAHAN exhibit, 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idV8Rd5vWos
Creating a Poet: Painful life experiences can have great purpose, 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I9QZTlEYk8
Mind Over Medicine book review: Algonquin Elder Albert Dumont’s Perspective, 2013
https://youtu.be/HjMJXZx0bNQ
What are Indians Good For? By Chantal Dahan, featuring Albert Dumont. 2008 (funded by Canada Council for the Arts)
https://vimeo.com/124242221
Juror for Poetry Competitions
Albert has acted as a juror in poetry competitions for several nationally recognized organizations.
– Attys Poetry Award for Wattpad, 2012
– Canadian Authors Association Poetry Book Contests, 2010 and 2011
– Saskatchewan Book Awards, 2010
Poems for Special Occasions
Albert’s poems have been translated into many languages including French, Algonquin, German, Japanese. The following are selected commissioned poems.
“O Residential School” recited on Canada Day 2021
Introduction to Sakahan Exhibit at National Gallery 2013
“The Promise of a Parent” for Wabano Centre’s ‘Parenting Bundle’ manual 2011
“A Request That God Bless Our Farmers” for International Ploughing Match 2011
“Human Rights” poem – Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, Dedication Ceremony with Governor General (plaques in 73 Aboriginal Languages have been added to Human Rights Monument) 2010
“In Honour of Water” for World Water Day 2010
“Such a Song” for Ottawa Folk Festival 2008
“Death Shall Not Remove Me” for Wabano Centre Crime Prevention Symposium 2006
“My Healing Place” for Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health 2001
“The Worker’s Request” for the National Day of Mourning 1998
“Shimaganish” for Native Veteran’s Association 1997
“Song of Young Eagles” for the Aboriginal Headstart Program 1997
Grants
Ontario Arts Council Grant, Writers’ Reserve, 2014-15
Storytelling in Schools and Universities
Albert firmly believes his Anishinabe ancestors were keepers of great oratory skills. He believes the great wisdom of the forests, rivers, lakes, and hills of our homelands can inspire healing in people suffering from addictions.
For example, Albert has delivered storytelling at: numerous Ottawa and surrounding area schools; Waseskun Treatment Centre; Lac Philippe for NCC; Carleton University; University of Ottawa; Algonquin College; Kitigan Zibi Cultural Centre and Pakinawatik School; Maniwaki Adult School; UQAT – Val d’Or; Iskotew Lodge and Kumik Lodge; Canadian Authors Assoc. in Toronto; and Wabano Centre.
Workshop Facilitator
Albert presents workshops on poetry, creative writing, healing, leadership and social justice at government departments, Aboriginal health centres, universities, and at other sites in the Ottawa region. Selected workshops are listed below.
Youth in Criminal Justice Workshop – Wabano Centre, 2013
Creative Writing Workshop – Wabano Centre, 2012
Writer’s Workshop – Canadian Authors Association – Algonquin College, 2008
Poverty and Healing Circle Workshop, 2007
Canadian Authors Association Annual Conference, 2007 – the first Aboriginal writer to appear as a presenter at a CAA Conference in 86 years
Artwork
Albert has designed T-shirts (pen & ink/silkscreening) after an accident left him unable to continue working as a bricklayer. He designed the book covers for his poetry books and artwork and poetry for 11 of his greeting cards. The poems “The Path My Children Travel” and “Once” have been widely distributed on ceramic cups, plates and canisters. He created many pen and ink portraits; logo designs for the Ottawa Native Concerns Committee and Pow Wow Committees. Samples of his artwork can be found under ‘Books’, ‘Greeting Cards’ and ‘Photos’.
Actor
APTN – Fire Prevention Video
CBC Television – Anxiety Disorder PSA
Aboriginal Radio – Changes to Indian Act
Play “Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing”
Other Contributions
Ottawa’s English Poet Laureate 2021 – 2023
Founder of Pagahamatig Poetry Circle 2005
Founder of Turtle Moons Press (publishing) 2000
Turtle Moons Contemplations Greeting Cards (artwork and verse) 2000