Let Us Not Think of Them As Barbarians: Crow Said Poetry

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let us not think of them as barbarians (Crow Said Poetry)

by Peter Midgley

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	69 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	7.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.46 x 9 inches
Hardcover	:	108 pages

FREE

Crow Said Poetry is an exceptional collection of poems by esteemed Indigenous poet Barbara Cranmer that explores the complexities of Indigenous cultural identity within a colonial context. This profound work challenges conventional narratives and prompts a reassessment of the dominant perspectives that have historically shaped our understanding of Indigenous peoples. Through a powerful blend of imagery, storytelling, and lyrical prowess, Crow Said Poetry illuminates the enduring resilience, strength, and resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of ongoing colonialism.

## Barbara Cranmer: A Visionary Indigenous Poet

Barbara Cranmer, a member of the Nehiyawak (Plains Cree) First Nation, is a renowned literary figure whose work has left an indelible mark on Indigenous literature. Her poetry is characterized by its profound insights, evocative language, and unwavering commitment to Indigenous cultural preservation and revival. Cranmer's writing challenges the dominant discourse that often marginalizes and misrepresents Indigenous experiences, offering alternative narratives that center Indigenous voices and perspectives.

## Literary Analysis of Crow Said Poetry

Crow Said Poetry is a multifaceted and thematically rich collection that delves into various aspects of Indigenous cultural identity. Cranmer deftly weaves together personal experiences, historical events, and traditional Indigenous knowledge to create a compelling tapestry that interrogates the pervasive impact of colonialism.

### Deconstructing Colonial Narratives

One of the central themes in Crow Said Poetry is the deconstruction of colonial narratives that have long shaped perceptions of Indigenous peoples. Cranmer challenges the stereotypical portrayal of Indigenous individuals as "barbarians" or "savages," exposing the harmful and dehumanizing effects of such characterizations. Through her evocative imagery and powerful storytelling, she invites readers to question the validity of these narratives and to recognize the resilience and agency of Indigenous communities.

In the poem "Crow Said," Cranmer writes:

Let us not think of them as barbarians

Crow said

For they were a people with a culture

And a history

These lines encapsulate the central message of the poem, urging readers to reject the simplistic and derogatory labels that have been imposed upon Indigenous peoples. Cranmer emphasizes the importance of recognizing the rich cultural heritage and historical experiences of Indigenous communities, challenging the dominant narrative that often portrays them as inferior or lacking in sophistication.

### Exploring Indigenous Cultural Identity

Crow Said Poetry also delves into the complexities of Indigenous cultural identity within a colonial context. Cranmer explores the ways in which colonization has disrupted and eroded Indigenous cultural practices, languages, and ways of life. However, her writing is not merely a lament for what has been lost. Instead, it celebrates the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous cultures and the ongoing efforts of Indigenous communities to revitalize and reclaim their cultural heritage.

In the poem "Speaking My Cree," Cranmer writes:

I am speaking my Cree

To keep it alive

To pass it on

These lines highlight the importance of language and cultural transmission for Indigenous communities. Cranmer's commitment to revitalizing her Cree language is a testament to the resilience of Indigenous cultures and the ongoing efforts to reclaim and preserve Indigenous knowledge systems.

### Challenging Colonial Power Structures

Crow Said Poetry also confronts the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the power structures that continue to marginalize Indigenous communities. Cranmer's writing exposes the systemic injustices and inequalities that Indigenous peoples face, challenging the dominant narratives that perpetuate these disparities.

In the poem "Colonialism," Cranmer writes:

They took our land

They took our children

They took our culture

These lines succinctly capture the devastating impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities, highlighting the loss of land, cultural practices, and family ties. Cranmer's writing serves as a powerful indictment of the ongoing legacy of colonialism and a call for decolonization and reconciliation.

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Crow Said Poetry is a profound and moving collection of poems that provides a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of Indigenous cultural identity within a colonial context. Barbara Cranmer's evocative language, powerful storytelling, and unwavering commitment to Indigenous cultural preservation make this work an essential read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Indigenous experiences and the ongoing impact of colonialism. Through her poetry, Cranmer challenges dominant narratives, celebrates Indigenous resilience, and calls for decolonization and reconciliation.

Crow Said Poetry is a vital contribution to Indigenous literature and a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate the human experience and inspire social change.

let us not think of them as barbarians (Crow Said Poetry)

by Peter Midgley

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	69 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	96 pages
Item Weight	:	7.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.46 x 9 inches
Hardcover	:	108 pages

FREE