Albert Dumont has been named as the English language Poet Laureate for the City of Ottawa. He is the first Indigenous poet to be appointed to the position in the city. A poet, storyteller and Algonquin Traditional Teacher, Dumont is also Indigenous Advisor to Bishop Shane Parker.
He has published five books of poetry and short stories and two children’s books, written in three languages. His most recent book is Sitting by the Rapids (2018). When Crosstalk contacted him after his appointment was announced, he offered the following reflection.
Advent and Christmas in a time of war: the Four Last Things