"Heart Berries" Author Terese Marie Mailhot Answers Your Questions

Terese Marie Mailhot discusses her book 'Heart Berries', sharing her experiences growing up on a reservation in British Columbia. She reflects on her journey from poverty to becoming a professor, the writing process, and the importance of telling indigenous stories. The conversation touches on accessing deeper feelings through writing, the impact of language and stereotypes, and the significance of indigenous women sharing their narratives.

What challenges did Terese Marie Mailhot face growing up on the Seabird Island Indian Reservation?

• Environmental hazards

• Cultural assimilation pressures

• Lack of educational opportunities

• Abject poverty and family issues

How did Mailhot's writing process evolve over time?

• From poetry to short stories

• From essays to a novel

• From connected short stories to a personal narrative

• From fiction to non-fiction

What does Mailhot suggest is crucial for connecting with readers?

• Using complex language

• Sharing universal themes

• Articulating a singular, personal story

• Focusing on historical events

Why does Mailhot believe diving into personal history is important?

• It provides material for fictional stories

• It is a way to entertain readers

• It allows for a better understanding of oneself

• It helps in forgetting past traumas

What impact does the word 'squaw' have on Mailhot?

• It is a term she uses frequently in her writing

• It is a neutral term for her

• It is a hurtful stereotype she struggles with

• It represents a positive cultural identity

What does Mailhot see as the power of indigenous women telling their own stories?

• It ensures historical accuracy

• It offers new perspectives and challenges stereotypes

• It provides entertainment for a wider audience

• It helps in preserving traditional tales

How does Mailhot feel about the growing community of native women writers?

• Proud and inspired

• Skeptical of their impact

• Indifferent

• Concerned about competition