Celebrating Canada's 150th: November

It's Thomas King this month again, but this time, a short story collection: One Good Story, That One.

Book Summary:There is much more than one good story in this bestselling (over 10,000 copies sold) collection of short fiction. In fact, there are more than a few of the best examples of native storytelling ever published. Thomas King, author of the acclaimed Medicine River and Green Grass, Running Water, and the newly released Truth and Bright Water, has proven he has a magical gift, a fresh voice and a special brand of wit and comic imagination. 

One Good Story, That One is steeped in native oral tradition, led off by a sly creation tale, introducing the traditional native trickster coyote. Weaving the realities of native history and contemporary life through the story, King recounts a parody version of the Garden of Eden story, slyly pulling our leg and our funny bone.

A collection that is rich with strong characters, alive with crisp dialogue and shot through with the universal truths we are all searching for, One Good Story, That One is one great read.- from amazon.ca

My Thoughts: Oh, Thomas King is a clever one and he knows just how to get his readers to challenge our view of the world and our assumptions about Indigenous people by pushing us past our comfort zones and then having a laugh at himself.  I have a hard time picking a favorite story, but here are two noteworthy ones.

Joe Painter and the Deer Island Massacre - Joe recruits the only "Indian" he knows, a friend he nicknames "Chief" to help tell the story of their town's founding for an anniversary celebration.  A group of friends and family rally and help act out Joe's play - acting the parts of both the "Indians" and the "good Christian citizens" in a play that depicts the massacre that precedes the building of the town.  Ironically, the "Indians" don't look "Indian-enough" and Joe finds black wigs and yarn braids to increase their authenticity.  Meanwhile, the "chief's" family and friends have a hoot performing in the play and laughing at how completely clueless Joe is about the ridiculousness of the play they're performing.  A wonderful illustration of racism in action today and the strength and humor of Indigenous people.

Borders - a son tells the story of him and his mother trying to cross the border to visit his older sister in Salt Lake City.  At both border crossings, his mother declares her citizenship as "Blackfoot" and gets stuck in limbo while the border guards figure out what to do with her!
A powerful story about nationhood, sovereignty and citizenship.

If you enjoy short stories, this is a intelligent and witty collection that is sure to having you seeing Native people in a fresh new light. Not a difficult read, but you'll want to take it one story at a time to allow you time to think about each one.  Highly recommended.