READ INDIGENOUS: Popcorn Elder

Keep up all October long as we read, share, and discover Indigenous authors and works.

From Popcorn Elder by Curtis Peeteetuce (Shillingford Publishing) 

WALLYKnow what we need? A plan. Let’s think about what’s going on. Fall means harvest, people getting engaged after a nicimos summer, oh…school year’s just started up. Look! They’re hiring. I can apply for a different job. A better paying job. Soniyaw (money) from the moniyaw (white man). Real soniyaw. Save and help you out. Eh? DARRENYou can’t be a teacher. WALLYNo, I mean they’re looking for an elder. Darren chokes on his drink.  DARRENElder? You? Elder? WALLYYeah. DARRENWe’d have better luck if I ran for chief. And that isn’t saying much. WALLYI could be an elder. Do it for me and you and Michel. Family. If I got this job, you can take over my shifts and– DARRENAre you saying I should follow in your footsteps and be the next waterman!? WALLYYeah. Keep you out of jail anyways. DARRENI don’t even have a driver’s license. WALLYPPfft. Neither do I. That’s the best thing about driving on the reserve. Especially a band vehicle. They don’t care. RC’s never stop you anyways. It’s water!! Plus no one with a driver’s license wants this job. Triple-bogey! DARRENDo you even know what a triple bo– nevermind. WALLYPlus if I make elder, it’ll look good for you. Come on, I got a pretty good look for the job, eh? No reply from DARREN.  WALLYIt’s all set then. I’m goin’ to the band office– DARRENThe school! WALLYTo the school, and I’m gonna apply for that job! Help my son…and my grandson in the progress. DARRENProcess. WALLYYes! No. Or wait. Huh? DARRENWhat? WALLYYes. DARRENThis is a bad idea. WALLYYup. And after I’ll make us some rabbit soup for supper! Waposomīcimapoy. To celebrate. Cool man. I’m going to be Stone Pipe’s next elder. About time too. DARRENYou gotta be damn kidding. WALLYDamn rights! Ekwa maka (Let’s go).* * *

The Author

Curtis is from the Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation. Since 2001, he has had the honour of working with many talented artists in theatre, radio drama, music and film. Selected highlights include Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan (Richard III, Twelfth Night), Globe Theatre (Salt Baby), Persephone Theatre (A History of Breathing) and GTNT (Where The Blood Mixes, Thunderstick). Curtis is the recipient of the Saskatoon & Area Theatre Award for Outstanding Male Performance and the Henry Woolf Award for Achievement. He is also the playwright of the Rez Christmas story series, including Nicimos: The Final Rez Christmas Story (Scirocco, 2015.)Curtis dedicates all his efforts and accomplishments to his son Mahihkan. Nanaskimonawaw.* * *Remember: buy Popcorn Elder or any of our READ INDIGENOUS books and get this stunning limited-run tote bag featuring colourful artwork from Indigenous visual artists Kaya Joan, Alan Syliboy, Dawn Oman, and Lauren Crazybull until November 15th (while supplies last). And don’t forget to check out today’s other READ INDIGENOUS feature, In Spirit (Playwrights Canada Press).