Reclaiming is a big word," says renowned Tłı̨chǫ Dene author Richard Van Camp.

As UVic’s inaugural Storyteller-in-Residence, Richard is teaching two courses this year offered in parallel with the Faculty of Humanities and Continuing Studies at UVic.

From reclaiming family recipes, songs or photos to techniques in sewing, beading, harvesting, fishing and beyond, the courses celebrate the art of recovering family medicines.

For over two decades, Richard has turned his stories into graphic novels, feature films, music and more. He is also a mentor to young writers, the winner of multiple literary awards, and the 2023 recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories.

Getting to know Richard

Get to know Richard in this interview as he shares his experiences and the healing power of storytelling.

Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us! Can you tell us more about yourself and any recent or exciting updates?

I’m the luckiest man I know. I’m working on a graphic novel series, Wheetago War: ROTH, with my dream artist Christopher Shy from Renegade Arts Entertainment. I’m also working on my new novel, BEAST, with Douglas & McIntyre. Both books should be out in October. We’ve also just completed a stop motion puppet movie called, Įk'ǫǫ̀ Inkwo For When The Starving Return with Spotted Fawn Productions and the NFB, which should be free online once we premiere.

Congratulations on becoming this year’s Storyteller-in-Residence! Can you share with us some more details about the residency and how you initially felt about it?

Dr. Stephen Ross, an English professor in the Faculty of Humanities, got in in touch with me to ask if I would consider teaching a course for UVic. I am a graduate of UVic’s creative writing program and love Victoria so very much, so it was an immediate yes! We’ve been working closely together to dream up a course for anyone interested in reclaiming their family medicines for themselves, their communities and for future generations.

How do you envision the course experience unfolding?

I have designed the ultimate course for anybody, anywhere in the world, who wants to reclaim their family medicines and not just for themselves, but for their family, their community, for future generations. We're talking songs, stories, recipes, ceremonies—whatever it is that you think you need to make your life a little sweeter.

What I can promise you is inspiration, jaw dropping stories, miracle stories and reclaiming. We are going to have a lot of fun together so join us as we celebrate the great mystery together—it will be organic, collaborative and I have a feeling there will be a lot of healing and mending for everyone in our circle.

Based on your experience, in what ways do you feel you've grown as a writer?

I’ve been so lucky to publish 30 books these past 30 years with 13 different publishers. It has always been my editors and fellow artists who help me take my stories where they belong. I’m not afraid to ask for help or input. Our course will get students to risk asking for help, and risk the interview they need for peace, or for family and community celebrations.

How would you describe the impact of starting this residency?

I’ve been so blessed to reclaim family and community celebrations and uploading them to my YouTube channel. To know that viewers get to see their loved ones dancing or singing a Dene love song, to know that I’ve been able to find photos that family members may have not seen before; well, that’s a pretty good way to be known: as someone who gathers family medicines for others.

That’s my wish for everyone in our class—that they take time out of their busy lives to reclaim their own family medicines and celebrate the great mystery of life in a good and happy way, in a good and soul-nourishing way.

What other projects are you currently working on?

We’ve sold TV and film rights for our graphic novel series, The Spirit of Denendeh, and I can’t wait to see A Blanket of Butterflies and As I Enfold You in Petals on the big screen.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are searching for their next big thing, their next opportunity?

Never be afraid to ask for help or to reach out to potential mentors.

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Recovering Family Medicines through Story

With Richard guiding the way, students are not only enrolling in courses—they’re embracing an experience of self-discovery and reclaiming the past to redirect the future.

These two courses are open to the wider community under the theme of "Recovering Family Medicines through Story." This fall, Inhale beckons students to gather close, reflecting on the stories that shape them and, in the spring, Exhale propels them forward to venture out and heal. 

• Posted August 8, 2024