In recent years, there has been much debate surrounding Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day. While the state of Rhode Island celebrates Columbus Day on the second Monday in October, I encourage you to also explore and celebrate the written works of Indigenous authors. We’ve curated a list that includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoirs, and much more to get you started.
“There, There” (2018) is the debut novel by Tommy Orange, who is a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. The book, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, follows 12 Native Americans who come together at the Big Oakland Powwow, delving into their personal stories and challenges, notably around their struggles with identity as “Urban Indians.” It’s fast-paced…