Dear AzRA,
One of my favorite traditions at AzRA is the trip leader’s morning readings with guests. As a lover of poetry and storytelling, I’m probably biased — but I find this tradition has the potential to offer guests a deep sense of grounding and education while in the Grand Canyon.
Furthermore, I believe one of the best ways to offer alternative perspectives on such a powerful place is to read the words of people unlike myself. Knowing that my own retelling of a story can be colored by my personal lens and values, I try to be especially careful when sharing Indigenous perspectives. I prefer to read the words of Native authors directly, in hopes of more accurately conveying this part of Grand Canyon’s story.
Like many of us, I proudly lug around my own library ammo can. Digging up readings that are not only accurate and meaningful, but also accessible and resonant with our mostly middle/upper-class, white, tourist audiences can be a big job. So, I put this zine together to share some of my own resources with you all. Inside, you’ll find copies of the same stained pages from my own amo can library- my favorite things to read aloud to guests while guiding in the Grand Canyon. Some are short and sweet, while others are longer, deserving a good sit in the shade. I’ve included the source of each piece, along with a brief introduction to the author.
In this collection I have chosen to only include words from non-traditional voices: women, indigenous, queer - the words from anyone other than the usual JWP. My hope is to build a resource for folks that can bring unheard voices to Grand Canyon. I would love to hear from any of you with readings to contribute to this resource.
Warmly,
Seneca
Dear AzRA,
One of my favorite traditions at AzRA is the trip leader’s morning readings with guests. As a lover of poetry and storytelling, I’m probably biased — but I find this tradition has the potential to offer guests a deep sense of grounding and education while in the Grand Canyon.
Furthermore, I believe one of the best ways to offer alternative perspectives on such a powerful place is to read the words of people unlike myself. Knowing that my own retelling of a story can be colored by my personal lens and values, I try to be especially careful when sharing Indigenous perspectives. I prefer to read the words of Native authors directly, in hopes of more accurately conveying this part of Grand Canyon’s story.
Like many of us, I proudly lug around my own library ammo can. Digging up readings that are not only accurate and meaningful, but also accessible and resonant with our mostly middle/upper-class, white, tourist audiences can be a big job. So, I put this zine together to share some of my own resources with you all. Inside, you’ll find copies of the same stained pages from my own amo can library- my favorite things to read aloud to guests while guiding in the Grand Canyon. Some are short and sweet, while others are longer, deserving a good sit in the shade. I’ve included the source of each piece, along with a brief introduction to the author.
In this collection I have chosen to only include words from non-traditional voices: women, indigenous, queer - the words from anyone other than the usual JWP. My hope is to build a resource for folks that can bring unheard voices to Grand Canyon. I would love to hear from any of you with readings to contribute to this resource.
Warmly,
Seneca
