Dr. David MacKinnon and Kelly Waters are teaming up again to bring another speaker to the Gog.
Friday, Nov. 10, The Gog will host writer and speaker Harold Johnson. Johnson’s appearance will concentrate on ideas explained in his book, Firewater: How Alcohol Is Killing My People (and Yours), is “a passionate call to action,” which examines alcohol’s history, “the myths surrounding it, and its devastating impact on Indigenous people.”
Johnson was born and raised in Northern Saskatchewan. He holds a Master of Law degree from Harvard University and has worked as a Crown Prosecutor. He has served in the Canadian Navy, and worked in mining and logging.
Among Johnson’s accolades are a shortlist for the 2016 Saskatchewan Book Award for Aboriginal Peoples’ Writing, and the 2011 Saskatchewan Book Award for Fiction.
Johnson is the author of five works of fiction, several of which are set in northern Saskatchewan against a background of traditional Cree mythology. He is also the author of two non-fiction titles. Johnson lives “off the grid” in La Ronge, with his wife, where he operates his family’s traditional trap line.
Prominent community member Ray Fox will M.C. the event at The Gog, and Ross Paskemin, traditional Plains Cree singer, will provide entertainment. Both have previously appeared at The Gog.
Tickets are $20 per person, with all proceeds going to artists and speakers. There will be a donation jar for food. The Gog is located at 1391-105 St., and doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the main event starting at 7 p.m. Waters asks to RSVP via waterskelly@hotmail.com or text 306-481-3656. The event will be alcohol-free.
