Kim Senklip Harvey to critique writing samples and host virtual public talk
Kim Senklip Harvey, a director, playwright and actor, is this fall's writer in residence with the creative writing program at UBC Okanagan. In service to the community, she is currently accepting writing samples from the public and will be holding one-on-one virtual meetings from October 13 to 23 to discuss their work, the writing process and writing and storytelling concerns.
The writer in residence program promotes Canadian writing and literature to Okanagan residents and provides emerging writers an opportunity to get feedback on their creative work, explains Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies Professor Nancy Holmes.
Kim Senklip Harvey, is this fall's writer in residence with the creative writing program at UBC Okanagan
Harvey is a Syilx, Tsilhqot'in, Ktunaxa and Dakelh nation's woman and has worked on many projects all across Turtle Island, including the national tour of Where the Blood Mixes, Gordon Tootoosis final show Gordon Winter and the world premiere of Children of God. Her play Kamloopa was awarded the Jessie Richardson award of Significant Artistic Achievement for Decolonizing Theatre Practices and Spaces and in 2019 it was published as a book.
"Kim is an exciting, dynamic, up-and-coming playwright, whose play, Kamloopa: An Indigenous Matriarch Story, is as funny as it is profound," says Anne Flemming, professor of creative writing at UBC Okanagan. "Her transformative work has a great energy that I'm excited for our students and the wider community to get to know."
Flemming adds that as someone of Syilx, Tsilhqot'in, Ktunaxa and Dakelh heritage, Harvey has a strong connection to the Okanagan.
"It just makes sense for the local community to celebrate her work and learn from her," she says.
Harvey will be giving a free virtual talk Interior Salish Sharing: Stories from a Shapeshifter on Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. In her presentation, she will share the prose, plays, process of dismantling and troubling colonial and neo-capital systems, and the resurgence of Indigenous Matriarchal led systems and frameworks. She will place a particular focus on amplifying the emancipatory journeys of those enduring state oppressions.
"I've been listening to her podcast for some time and she's a deeply innovative and profound thinker," says Flemming. "I'm looking forward to hearing her talk and to have her part of UBCO."
While in residence, Harvey will read and offer feedback on the manuscripts of local writers. Writers are invited to submit their manuscripts for Harvey's review. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 8.
