Audience welcome at tribal readings

BROOKINGS – Lakota, Dakota and Nakota tribal writers invite community members to hear cultural readings during the 19th annual Oak Lake Tribal Writers’ Retreat.

Writers review, practice and learn creative techniques during the weeklong retreat before sharing poetry, fiction and nonfiction pieces with the audience.

The public is invited to a 6 p.m. potluck before the readings at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at the South Dakota State University Oak Lake Field Station. People who wish to participate in the meal are asked to bring a dish to share.

Featured writers co-mentoring the retreat are Dakota essayist, novelist and poet Elizabeth Cook-Lynn and Chickasaw author and academician Jodi Byrd.

“This is an exceptionally good opportunity to hear Lakota, Dakota and Nakota perspectives and creative expressions,” said SDSU Distinguished Professor of English Charles Woodard, who coordinates the retreat. 

Directions to the field station are available online at www.sdstate.edu/nrm/facilities/oaklake/index.cfm.