Writer Visits Redlands

David Treuer, an award-winning Native American author, spoke at the University of Redlands last Thursday as part of a monthly event called the Visiting Writers Series. Treuer is an Ojibwe Indian, growing up on the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota. He graduated from Princeton University in 1992 and obtained his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Michigan in 1999. Some of Treuer's published books include "Little" (1995), "The Translation of Dr. Apelles" (2006), and his most recent work, "Rez Life: An Indian's Journey through Reservation Life" (2012). He has had his work featured in Esquire, The LA Times, and The New York Times to name a few. At the start of the event, Treuer gave a brief introduction about himself and then quickly dove into discussing his book "Rez Life." He first commented on how he is one of the few Native American authors that writes non-fiction, and it's a piece of cake because one just has to simply "go out and find the truth." But it wasn't as easy as it seemed due to a disagreement of what his editor wanted versus what he wanted to write. "I had a mission," he said. "Not to avail myself of the same old story." The excerpt that Treuer read from "Rez Life" was primarily based upon his family life in Minnesota leading up to his grandfather's suicide. Although it was a time of hardship for him, he managed to mix humor and amusement within his storytelling. Treuer then was asked to write his grandfather's eulogy. He agreed and explained to the audience that a eulogy should say something truthful about the person, in addition to having some utility attached to it since it's essentially advice for the living. After his discussion, the inquisitive audience had the opportunity to ask him some questions. "What was your revision process?" One audience member asked. "My first draft went to the garbage," Treuer said. "For my second draft my editor wanted straight repertoire and history, but they first got to know who I am because they have to trust me (the writer). It's about finding the right balance between the parts and organizing each chapter thematically." The event concluded with some refreshments, available books, and a book signing by Treuer himself. "His presentation was down to Earth. There was a real connection explaining his perspective on the reservation," said Henry Vasquez, a satisfied member from the audience. On Thursday, March 27, 2014, Ralph Angel, a current faculty member at the University of Redlands, will be the next author to attend the Visiting Writers Series. It will be held in the Hall of Letters 100 at the University of Redlands. The event is sponsored by the university's Creative Writing department as well as the Office of Campus Diversity & Inclusion.