Indigenous Knowledge is often found outside of the traditional library collection. In welcoming Duncan as Knowledge Keeper, the Libraries hopes to bring Indigenous Knowledge and voices forward and showcase a different way of thinking about knowledge.  

Introducing Duncan Mercredi  

A prolific Cree and Métis poet, Duncan Mercredi was born and grew up in Misipawistik (Grand Rapids, Manitoba). At sixteen, he moved to Cranberry Portage, Manitoba, where he attended high school, and moved to Winnipeg shortly thereafter. In 2020, he became the second Poet Laureate of Winnipeg. In 2021, he won the Manitowapow Award at the Manitoba Book Awards.  

Duncan currently has six published poetry collections, and his forthcoming collection, Only the Scent of You Remained, will be launched at Mcnally Robinson on September 23 as part of the Winnipeg Writers Festival. All of Duncan’s currently published books are available for borrowing from UM Libraries. 

Available for consultation, discussion and classroom sessions 

Possessing an important poetic voice along with deep knowledge of storytelling, history, and current politics and policies, Duncan ponders what knowledge and libraries mean to all of us. A willing conversationalist, he can discuss topics ranging from the impact of hydroelectric projects on Indigenous communities, writing, two-eyed seeing, politics, censorship, and more.  

Duncan enjoys getting to know people in person and invites UM students, faculty, and staff to come to him with questions, concerns or topics for discussion. 

Duncan is available for consultation in the following ways:  

Writing consultations 

Book an hour-long consultation with Duncan on developing your creative voice in poetry, prose, or other forms of writing and publication. Book one session or multiple.  

Open to: UM students, faculty and staff  

Make an appointment 

Contact Duncan or set up an appointment to ask questions, share concerns, or discuss topics of interest, including library resources and materials. Make an individual appointment or with a group.  

Open to: UM students, faculty and staff 

Classroom sessions 

Duncan is available to speak to UM classes on a range of topics related to his writing, life experience, history and expertise.  

Faculty can contact Duncan to schedule a classroom session and develop the session topic.    

Open to: UM faculty and instructors 

The project, which began in 2015, monitors the evolution of Canadians’ understanding of and progress through reconciliation.

MP Terry Duguid (Winnipeg South) announced Friday on behalf of Canada’s heritage minister, Pascale St-Onge, that the funding will go toward initiatives including the creation of an advisory council of elders and knowledge keepers, and the development of learning materials to help educate people.

To read more about the announcement, follow the link to Global News Winnipeg.