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Richard Van Camp

Richard Van Camp

Richard Van Camp was born in Fort Smith, NWT, and is a member of the Dogrib (Tłı̨chǫ) Dene Nation. He has published five short story collections, six graphic novels, nine children’s books, and two novels, including the coming-of-age classic The Lesser Blessed, which was adapted into a critically acclaimed film. Van Camp was the script and cultural consultant for the CBC Television series North of 60 for four seasons. Renowned internationally as a storyteller, he was awarded Storyteller of the Year for both Canada and the U.S. by the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. He lives in Edmonton with his family.

Website: richardvancamp.com
Twitter: @richardvancamp
Instagram: @richardvancamp

Van Camp’s keen ear for dialogue and lithe storytelling breathe hope and humour even into the darkest corners of human experience. His boldest, most compelling collection yet.” — Eden Robinson

FESTIVAL BOOK

Moccasin Square Gardens

The characters of Moccasin Square Gardens inhabit Denendeh, the land of the people north of the sixtieth parallel. “Moccasin Square Gardens” is the nickname of a dance hall in the town of Fort Smith that serves as a meeting place for a small but diverse community. These stories are filled with in-laws, outlaws, and common-laws. Get ready for illegal wrestling moves (“The Camel Clutch”), pinky promises, a doctored casino, extraterrestrials or “Sky People,” love, lust, and prayers for peace. While this is Van Camp’s most hilarious short story collection, it’s also haunted by the lurking presence of the Wheetago, human-devouring monsters of legend that have returned due to global warming and the greed of humanity. The stories in Moccasin Square Gardens show that medicine power always comes with a price.

DIVE DEEPER:

Interviews

  • “Richard Van Camp on highlighting the humour and hope within Indigenous communities” — CBC.ca

Reviews

  • “Moccasin Square Gardens: a wonderful collection of short stories by Richard Van Camp” — albertanativenews.com
  • “Review: Richard Van Camp gives readers the voice of a master storyteller” — Vancouver Sun
  • “Richard Van Camp creates an Indigenous world full of imaginative power” — The Globe and Mail

ALL EVENTS WITH Richard Van Camp

12:10 PM
Wordfest & ProArts Society Present Harold R. Johnson & Richard Van Camp
Oct 16 @ 12:10 PM MT - 1 PM MT

Cathedral Church of the Redeemer

604 1 St SE
7 PM
Indigenous Voices Showcase
Oct 16 @ 7 PM MT - 8:30 PM MT

Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library

800 3 Street SE