Amanda Lewis

I’m very happy to announce I’m working on a new book by Paul Seesequasis, based on the archival images he has been sharing on his social media feeds for more than two years.

The photography book, called Blanket Toss Under Midnight Sun, will be released by Knopf Canada in spring 2018. The images honour the resilience, resourcefulness, and determination of generations. They chronicle daily experiences of indigenous peoples across Canada/Turtle Island, from the early 1900s until about 1980. The images will be paired with essays about the communities and photographers. In many instances, when Paul posted a photo from the archives someone would write and say “that’s my auntie” or “that’s my grandfather” or correct a detail—that community knowledge will be included in the book.

I’m especially excited to be editing this book for Penguin Random House Canada because I’m passionate about publishing indigenous voices and experiences, and because it was my final acquisition (and original commission) for the house. Thanks to Knopf Canada publishing director Lynn Henry for steering the project to final acceptance after I left at the end of September. Paul, Lynn, his agent (Denise Bukowski) and I worked on shaping the focus of the book over several months before offering.

Be sure to check out more photos on Paul’s Twitter feed. The book will be printed in full colour.