Jillian Morris has been selected as Collingwood’s next Poet Laureate.
The Town says Jillian will be introduced and invited to recite a poem at the Council meeting on Tuesday, April 19th.
A Collingwood writer, poet, and storyteller whose work is regularly featured in local and regional publications, Jillian will serve as Poet Laureate for two years commencing in April – National Poetry Month.
The role of this honorary position is to elevate poetry, writers, and literary arts in the community.
During her term, she’ll appear at events, present work on themes relevant to the citizens of Collingwood and utilize poetry and storytelling as a means to help connect the community.
As Kanien’kehaka, a member of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Jillian’s poetry layers traditional teachings and interconnection with the natural world to explore identity, redress untruths and foster connection. Her poem A Tribute to our Stolen Spirits is installed at the Awen Gathering Circle.
Jillian is a former federal public servant and in addition to writing, she is a researcher, creator, public engager, mother, wife, and bridge builder. Jillian is also a member of the Unity Collective where she finds endless rewards in volunteering and working to build relationships, capacity, and understanding.
Applications for Collingwood’s Poet Laureate position were received through an open call for submissions and Jillian was selected by peers in the community.
The Town is also inviting the public to celebrate National Poetry Month by exploring an outdoor exhibition on the Train trail for the month of April. Works by local poets and photographers will be displayed in signs along the trail between the Collingwood Museum and Collins Street.
These two art forms are often perceived as solitary pursuits, and for the month of April, they join together to express this year’s Poetry Month theme – intimacy.
