I write to tell the poetry lovers of my friendship circle, how greatly you filled my heart with warmth and joy at the recent (Sunday, December 14) launching of my new poetry book ‘The Sound my Heart Makes‘. Close to 100 supporters were present. Energies of solidarity swam in gentle currents over and around all, in the room. Many hugs were exchanged and wide smiles were on every face I saw before me. My spirit danced, my heart soared!
I dedicated the time at the Great Hall, Christ Church Cathedral, where the launch occurred to my sister Anne who died at age 21 from kidney failure on December 4, 1979. Anne was perfect in the spiritual sense while she lived among us. She popped into my thoughts many times in the weeks before the launch. Migwech little sister for your love!
Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Beth Bretzlaff, who OK’d the launch to take place in the Great Hall is first and foremost on my list of those to whom I say ‘Migwech, kichi migwech’! Beth and I are solid buddies. And what an awesome human being she is!
Among the people present (all of you are so precious) was Phil Jenkins, who worked with me to piece together the play ‘Bloodline’. The play is about how John A. Macdonald’s ‘Indian Act’ spiritually and emotionally impacted my dad, his dad and my life while living under the severe oppression it dished out on us for so long. Phil is a highly respected writer and playwright, living in unceded, never surrendered Anishinabe Algonquin territory.
Andrea Rowe was there as well. Andrea who was with the TaDa! Festival at the time, first brought Bloodline to the public at La Fab in Chelsea, QC on May 26, 2022. I consider her a very dear friend since then.
My close friends, with whom I am only one of a ‘Team’ (Harmony Circle for Palestine with Albert) helped out, offering skills specially generated by them, to assure success for the book launch. They include: Sylvia Smith (Project of Heart), Lindsey Barr (World Changing Kids), Evneeki Roufail (professor at Carleton University) and Nadia Abu-Zahra (professor at uOttawa). Lisa Howell (professor at uOttawa) was unable to make the launch because of being stricken with the flu.
Randy Boswell, another good friend and professor at Carleton University was in the audience. Migwech man!
Margaret Embleton (Mamawi Together) was also helping out in a big way.
A new friend, Dr. Yipeng Ge was there (what an honour). Yipeng is a hero to many (me among them). Rarely have I come across a person who is as dedicated to human rights to the degree Yipeng is. With human rights activists such Yipeng in it, the true definition of what is ‘humanity’ has a chance of living in the future!
John Howard Society had representatives there. Migwech Jan Goatcher for taking the time to support me.
I began the evening with this: “My poetry is not refined, it is not polished, it does not sing, so I have been told. It is so because I am not a refined and polished human being. My poetry might not hum or whistle but it is written from my heart. And my heart makes a sound, a sound heard in my poetry.”
Family members were there, to listen and learn, to offer their love and support for me, their brother, their dad, their grandfather, their great-grandfather and cousin. Yup, even Princess Isla was in the audience. Baby energies, it is the purest energy of all living things on Mother Earth. When I asked for comments after reading some of my poems, Isla let out a delightful chant! And then her mom, my granddaughter Kyrstin, read a poem she wrote to close the evening. What a nice way to end a beautiful gathering!
I want to acknowledge and say migwech to CBC for arranging an interview, done by one of their many highly skilled reporters, Giacomo Panico. The interview was aired on Saturday and some people in attendance told me they came because of what they heard during the ‘In Town and Out’ show on Saturday. Long live the CBC!
A special thanks to Evelyn Huer, the owner of the Mother Tongue Books on Bank Street (closed in 2012). Evelyn was the first big supporter of my poetry style. Her and I have been steadfast friends ever since.
Michael Ferguson needs to be mentioned as well. Mike worked for the City’s Ottawa Public Health department and contracted me to write ‘Grandpa’s Wisdom’, a children’s story teaching about the West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease. He is a good buddy!
June Girvan was sitting close to the front row. June is a longtime activist and a woman I consider a dear friend. She believes in the healing power one can access in our traditional circles. What a good friend you are, June!
Last but not least I want to acknowledge Chris White, the co-founder of the Ottawa Folk Festival at Britannia Beach, now with CKCU. Chris is a friend and co-host of his show at CKCU. Christophe Elie was at the launch, too. Christophe is a great activist (as is Chris White). He writes and sings songs of protest. Both these guys are musicians and songwriters and are so important in my life.
There are many more I can mention. All of you have a place in my heart. I will keep you there always.
If any of you want to purchase a book, it is available on my website http://albertdumont.com/books/the-sound-my-heart-makes/
and at the following stores:
Perfect Books, 258A Elgin St., Ottawa. Tel. 613-231-6468
Singing Pebble Books, 206 Main St., Ottawa. Tel. 613-230-9165
Khewa, 737 Riverside, Wakefield, QC. Tel. 819-459-2112
Hawks Trading Post, 276 Kichi Mikan, Kitigan Zibi. Tel. 819-441-1673
Be well, dear friends, and see you soon.
Keep the Circle Strong,
South Wind (Albert Dumont)
