PEDDIE’S PICK FOR SEPTEMBER & UPCOMING EVENT
"SONS OF TECUMSEH" by Maurice Switzer
I have had a long interest in the War of 1812. When I moved to Amherstburg I became even more interested. I read The War of 1812 by Wesley Turner and learned about the critical importance of Indigenous people to our war effort. Major General Isaac Brock and Shawnee Chief Tecumseh developed a close bond to lead forces to resist America’s occupation of Canada. Tecumseh was a very brave leader, gifted orator, and famous for his powerful speeches. Today, outside the Fort Malden visitor centre is “Tecumseh’s rock." Reportedly, Tecumseh stood on the stone to address British troops and allies following the battle of Lake Erie. Unfortunately, both men gave their lives to help prevent the annexation of Canada by the United States. It’s easy to imagine that, without the sacrifices by them and many Indigenous people, Canada would be part of the United States today.
As soon as I read Maurice‘s book, I knew we wanted to invite him to come and talk about his book during Amherstburg’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event. When I first read his book, I thought it could be described as "historical fiction," but the more I thought about it, I realized that his book was different, and not easy to describe as a single genre. So I asked Maurice how he would describe it. He calls it "literary fiction with historic and political overtones." When you read the book, you will see that it has dual timelines.
PEDDIE’S PICK FOR SEPTEMBER: CONTINUED
The main story is about Billy Favell, a corrupt chief of the congress of First Nations, and his bodyguard Peshu who is direct descendent of Tecumseh. Peshu learns that the chief is colluding with the federal government to betray the interests of his people. The other part of the book is about Tecumseh and how he was destined to be a powerful leader.
When Indigenous artist Naomi Peters came to create two murals in Art Alley I must admit I did not fully understand the panther and shooting star symbolism in her work at first. But after reading Maurice’s book, her art became much clearer to me. Tecumseh‘s name means "shooting star" or "panther across the sky." Allegedly, a bright meteor streaked through the night sky when he was born in 1768. In the book, just before Peshu is shot to death, he looks skyward to see a shooting star pass overhead, and realizes a similar sign signalled Tecumseh’s birth.
Maurice’s book also got me thinking about another book: 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joesph. The Indian Act has dictated and constrained the lives and opportunities of Indigenous people since 1876. The Federal government conducted The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada from 2008 to 2015. Coming out of that work, there were 94 calls to action. The government would tell you that 85% of these calls have been completed or are underway, but the Indigenous communities would tell you that we are still falling short in many important areas.
Reading Sons of Tecumseh, meeting Maurice—inviting him to come to Amherstburg, and inviting back Naomi Peters—has now become a major upcoming event in Art Alley, coming on September 26th at 2PM. Despite the important history of Indigenous peoples in Amherstburg we have done nothing to recognize their contributions. The new town council in 2027 will debate investing in a monument that recognizes those contributions. We hope that you and all of the candidates in the October municipal election will come out to get further insight into the importance of this investment. Plus, pick up a copy of a great read at the same time.
See you on the 26th.
—Richard Peddie
Author, Bookshop Owner
"Life’s a Beach"
And Amherstburg has a great one in Holiday Beach. It’s very close by—only a 14 km bike ride on a CWATS paved shoulder. A beautiful Carolinian forest and a lovely sandy beach. Even though it’s early September, the water temperature in Lake Erie is a very swimmable 72F or 22C.
WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT: HOLIDAY BEACH
September 19 and 20 is a very special time at Holiday Beach as it’s the annual "Festival of Hawks." Visitors have the opportunity to watch thousands of migrating raptors. Join guided hikes, take part in free expert-led programs, and see live hawks and owls up close.
WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT: BIRDING & NATURE
My interest in birding and nature started in grade 6 when my dad took us to see bird banding at Point Pelee. Maybe this event will create a little naturalist in your family? Be sure pick up a bird book from River Bookshop before you go.
MAC N' CHEESE STORY TIME SUNDAY AT 11AM
This week at Story Time, join Darrie-Ann when she shares some Yummy Stories that all feature some of our favourite foods and snacks as the main characters.
Join us as we read about a Pickle, maybe a Taco, and some Mac n' Cheese too, at 11AM on Sunday, September 13th, at River Bookshop.
ON THE WALL OFF THE WALL 3: GIBSON GALLERY
Back by popular demand, two Amherstburg surrealist legends are returning for On The Wall Off The Wall 3!
Stephen Gibb comes with his extra-ordinary thought provoking paintings, while Robert MacLellan brings his meticulously crafted surreal sculptures.
Artist Reception: Sunday, September 20th, 2-4PM. A perfect complement to Uncommon Festival weekend!
AUTHOR MAURICE SWITZER EVENT SEP. 26 AT 2PM
Join us Saturday, September 26th, at 2PM in the Art Alley for a special event with Maurice Switzer! Maurice will be visiting town to talk to us about his book Sons of Tecumseh. Also featuring a special guest, Indigenous artist Naomi Peters!
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team