Oscar Hokeah presents Calling for a Blanket Dance, in conversation with Rubén Degollado

Introduction to "Calling for a Blanket Dance"

Overview of the Novel

• The event features author Oscar Hokia discussing his debut novel, "Calling for a Blanket Dance," which explores the journey of a young Native American man, Everest, as he navigates familial identity through multiple perspectives.

• The narrative addresses generational struggles and injustices faced by Everest's family, emphasizing how these challenges fuel his internal rage and shape his identity.

Themes and Reception

• Described by L Magazine as a story filled with "gracious anger" yet "luminescent with hope," the novel reflects on themes of genocide and finding one's place in the world.

• Oscar Hokia is identified as a citizen of Cherokee Nation and has roots in Latinx heritage. His background informs his storytelling approach.

Author Background

Oscar Hokia's Contributions

• With nearly 20 years dedicated to empowering Native American communities, Hokia currently works in child welfare in Talihina, Oklahoma, instilling indigenous values in future generations.

Reuben Villado's Role

• Reuben Villado joins the conversation; he is an accomplished author whose work has received accolades including the Texas Institute of Letters award for best young adult book.

Event Structure

Audience Engagement

• The event includes a Q&A session where attendees are encouraged to ask questions using the designated button on their screens.

• Participants are urged to support both authors by purchasing their books through provided links during the event.

Reading Excerpt from "Calling for a Blanket Dance"

Chapter Focus: Quentin Quitone

• Oscar begins reading from a chapter titled "Quentin Quitone," showcasing distinct Kiowa voice elements that reflect cultural nuances.

Key Moments from the Reading

• The excerpt describes pivotal moments when Everest and his cousin receive their per capita payments at age 18 from their tribe, highlighting financial empowerment within their community.

• A nostalgic recollection unfolds about receiving checks that symbolize both economic opportunity and cultural heritage tied to tribal membership.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Tuition and Car Purchases: A Journey Through Memory

Reflections on Financial Experiences

• The narrator reminisces about the excitement of spending money from a per capita distribution, recalling how it felt different from others in their community.

• A personal anecdote is shared about a trip to Oklahoma City with family to buy a car, emphasizing the importance of financial decisions and parental guidance.

• The narrator describes the thrill of handling cash for the first time, showcasing a sense of pride and responsibility in managing money.

• An interaction with a car dealer highlights negotiation skills and the emotional weight tied to purchasing significant items like cars.

• The contrast between past experiences at banks illustrates challenges faced when dealing with finances, particularly regarding check clearance.

Musical Memories and Cultural Connections

• The purchase of audio equipment signifies not just material acquisition but also cultural expression through music preferences among friends.

• A vivid description of cruising around Lawton while blasting music connects personal memories to broader cultural practices within their community.

• The narrative evokes imagery of communal gatherings and celebrations, linking soundscapes to shared experiences that resonate deeply within their culture.

Writing Journey and Voice Development

• The author reflects on their writing journey, noting that this chapter was one of the earliest pieces written during their time at an arts institute.

• They discuss discovering their unique voice as a writer over several years, indicating growth and evolution in style since 2008.

• Recognition from literary circles helped affirm the author's direction in writing intertribal stories, marking an important milestone in their career.

Publication Process Insights

• The transition from standalone short stories to developing interconnected narratives showcases the author's creative process leading up to publication.

• Discussion about receiving praise for "Calling for a Blanket Dance" indicates its significance within contemporary literature focused on Native American voices.

• Emphasis is placed on creating distinct voices for characters representing different tribes (Kiowa and Cherokee), highlighting cultural authenticity in storytelling.

Reflections on the Water: A Journey of Writing and Identity

The Initial Struggles of Writing

• The speaker discusses their collection titled "Reflections on the Water," which compares a mother and son, highlighting similarities between them. Despite pitching it for a while, they received no interest.

• After finishing the collection around 2013, the speaker experienced self-doubt typical among writers, questioning their voice and identity as a writer.

• Two years later, while working on a different novel, an email from an old professor prompted them to revisit their earlier work.

Transformation of Narrative

• Upon revisiting the short stories, the speaker decided to rework them significantly, allowing themselves to tear apart what didn't work and add new elements.

• This process led to a more defined narrative focused on decolonization themes relevant to Indigenous communities dealing with issues like addiction and domestic violence.

• The narrative evolved around one character's journey, reflecting broader societal challenges faced by marginalized groups.

Development of Characters and Themes

• By 2018, after signing with an agent who requested additional content, the speaker felt energized despite initially daunting expectations of adding 30,000 words.

• This motivation led to significant character development; new characters emerged that enriched the story's depth and complexity.

• The journey from initial struggles in writing to creating vibrant characters illustrates resilience in overcoming creative obstacles.

Insights into Cultural Practices

• As discussions about the book unfold, there's recognition that each narrator within it possesses strong voices worthy of individual stories.

• Curiosity arises regarding cultural customs; specifically how Kiowa or Cherokee traditions inform narratives within the text.

Significance of Title: Calling for a Blanket Dance

• The title refers to "blanket dances," rituals in powwow culture aimed at raising funds for individuals in need within Indigenous communities.

• These small traditional powwows emphasize family involvement rather than large-scale events with numerous dancers.

• During blanket dances, community members contribute what they can financially while honoring those in need through dance and song.

Understanding the Structure and Themes of "Calling for a Blanket Dance"

The Role of Family in Healing

• The blanket dance symbolizes the structure of the novel, reflecting the protagonist Ever Gima Saddle's journey through poor choices and toxic behavior.

• Each chapter is narrated by different family members, including grandparents and aunts, who offer their unique perspectives and healing insights to Ever.

• Family members provide traditional cultural solutions without solving Ever's problems for him; he must navigate his own path to recovery.

• The metaphor of a physical blanket represents familial love and support, emphasizing how they come together to help Ever confront his challenges.

Narrative Style: Multi-Voiced Perspective

• The novel features multiple narrators, allowing diverse voices from family and friends to contribute to the storytelling experience.

• This choice enhances depth by presenting various viewpoints on shared experiences within the family dynamic.

Peripheral Narration as a Literary Device

• The author chose peripheral narration to explore characters' stories through others’ perspectives, creating a unique narrative style not commonly seen in literature today.

• This technique allows readers to engage with themes symbolically while examining character relationships through juxtaposition.

Juxtaposition and Character Development

• Juxtaposing characters like Lonnie and Leander reveals deeper thematic connections within the story, highlighting struggles across generations.

• Characters reflect each other’s traits and behaviors, illustrating how familial patterns influence individual choices throughout their lives.

Conclusion: Navigating Cultural Identity

• Ever stands at a crossroads between success and failure while grappling with his multicultural identity. His journey reflects broader themes of personal growth amidst cultural heritage.

Cultural Symbols and Their Significance in Storytelling

The Role of Cultural Objects

• The speaker discusses the importance of cultural symbols in storytelling, emphasizing their deep meaning beyond mere representation.

• Specific objects like salt and pepper shakers and a booger mask are highlighted for their significance in conveying cultural narratives.

Understanding the Booger Mask

• The booger mask is rooted in Cherokee culture, originally associated with childhood fears akin to a "boogie man."

• Historically, the booger mask was used in rituals where dancers would humorously mimic threats to alleviate fear within the community.

• Humor served as a tool to reduce anxiety about dangers such as potential attacks on villages, showcasing how laughter can combat fear.

Narrative Function of the Booger Mask

• In the novel, the protagonist Ever experiences intense fear; his uncle uses masks similarly to traditional practices to help him cope.

• The presence of masks reappears throughout the story, symbolizing ongoing struggles with fear and aggression faced by characters like Leander.

Gourd Rattles and Cultural Resistance

• Gourd rattles made from metal salt and pepper shakers represent resilience; they were created when traditional items were banned during reservation times.

• This act of transforming everyday objects into cultural artifacts signifies resistance against oppression while maintaining cultural practices.

Intergenerational Continuity Through Objects

• The narrative illustrates how these objects connect generations, with grandfathers teaching grandsons about cultural persistence despite challenges.

• Salt and pepper shakers recur throughout the novel, reinforcing themes of continuity and resistance across generations.

Exploring Inter-Tribal Differences

Language and Voice in Character Development

• The speaker notes an intersection of cultures among characters, particularly between Kiowa and Cherokee influences.

• There is an emphasis on using different words that reflect intertribal differences effectively through translingualism.

Developing Authentic Voices

• The speaker reflects on their journey to develop authentic voices for characters by immersing themselves in diverse linguistic environments.

Understanding Identity Through Language and Culture

The Realization of Accent and Identity

• The speaker reflects on the perception of their accent, initially unaware that they had one, highlighting a journey of self-discovery over two years.

• Upon recognizing their own accent, the speaker began to analyze linguistic differences between various languages, including Kaio and Cherokee.

Intersections of Language and Culture

• The narrative incorporates multiple languages—Kaio, Cherokee, Spanish—demonstrating the blending of cultural identities within the text.

• Interest in slang is emphasized; the speaker uses both Kaio and Cherokee slang to express colloquial speech patterns influenced by traditional languages.

Historical Context and Representation

• Discussion on historical intermarriage between Native Americans and Spanish people illustrates deep-rooted cultural intersections.

• The speaker shares personal experiences growing up as half Native American and half Mexican without representation in popular culture during the 70s and 80s.

Validation Through Literature

• Writing this novel was motivated by a desire to provide representation for readers who share similar mixed heritage backgrounds.

• A specific literary influence mentioned is N. Scott Momaday's "The Way to Rainy Mountain," which resonated with the speaker’s own experiences growing up in a small community.

Contribution to Native American Literature

• The conversation shifts towards how different narrators in literature engage in dialogue about identity, reflecting love-hate relationships within communities.

• The speaker acknowledges a renaissance in Native American literature, expressing gratitude for being part of this movement alongside other contemporary writers.

Understanding Indigeneity and Cultural Connections in Literature

Reflections on Indigenous Identity

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of including indigenous perspectives to foster a broader understanding of indigeneity and colonization across Turtle Island (North America).

• They draw connections between their work as a Chicano author and cultural practices, such as the booger mask linked to Día de los Muertos, highlighting humor in confronting death.

• Acknowledgment of newfound connections within their writing that they had not previously recognized.

Supportive Community at IAIA

• Discussion about how peers at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) support each other during the publishing process.

• IAIA is described as having an international atmosphere with students from various tribes, fostering a nurturing environment reminiscent of home life.

• The unique perspective gained from interacting with diverse cultures enhances self-reflection on one's own cultural richness.

Themes in Creative Writing

• The speaker notes that exposure to different cultures leads to realizations about shared traditions and values among indigenous peoples.

• Their minor in Indigenous Liberal Studies significantly influenced their creative writing by broadening their perspective on indigenous issues globally.

Uplifting Native Voices

• Emphasis on the importance of uplifting fellow natives rather than competing or acting as gatekeepers within the community.

Exploring Masculinity in Literature

• The primary theme identified is the contrast between patriarchy and matriarchy, particularly regarding toxic masculinity's impact on society.

• The narrative aims to provide a critical lens for examining hyper-masculine constructs and encourages self-examination among men regarding destructive behaviors.

• Recognition that failure is often inherent in hyper-masculine identities, prompting reflection on personal growth and change.

Insights on Youth Engagement and Literary Influences

Working with At-Risk Youth

• The speaker reflects on their experience working with aggressive youth, emphasizing the importance of presence and calmness in de-escalating situations.

• Acknowledges that sometimes just being physically present can help youth feel more secure and reduce aggression.

• Highlights the significance of role models for individuals feeling out of control, drawing parallels to their own experiences in writing.

• The speaker's background as a former public school principal lends credibility to their insights about youth interactions and behavior management.

Literary Inspirations

• Discusses "Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout as an inspiration, prompting a broader discussion about influential authors.

• Alice Munro is identified as a major influence; her storytelling style deeply impacted the speaker’s approach to writing.

• The speaker expresses admiration for Munro's short story "Child's Play," which they read multiple times while developing their novel.

• Mentions Kiowa author N. Scott Momaday, appreciating how he encapsulates Native American life through individual characters.

Narrative Techniques and Regionalism

• Gabriel Garcia Marquez is noted for his ability to convey depth within concise narratives, influencing the speaker’s writing style.

• The concept of each chapter functioning almost like a standalone novel is discussed, reflecting Marquez's impact on multi-generational storytelling.

Character Development

• The speaker shares personal favorites among characters they've written, highlighting Vince Saddle as particularly meaningful to them.

• Yolanda is mentioned as another fun character to write due to her playful yet biting voice influenced by her grandmother.

Understanding Regionalism in Writing

• Defines regionalism as focusing on specific tribal identities and locations (e.g., Oklahoma), emphasizing its importance in literature.

• Expresses that regionalism allows writers to explore unique family dynamics and cultural specificity within their narratives.

15 Different Approaches to Indigenous Literature

Understanding Familial and Tribal Structures

• The discussion begins with the importance of viewing literature through an indigenous lens, emphasizing familial and tribal structures that shape identity.

• The speaker reflects on their Cherokee heritage, highlighting the significance of family connections within the community, such as identifying oneself with names like "stop" or "hokia."

• This perspective fosters a unique approach to writing, resulting in a diverse body of literature that reflects various cultural intersections.

Upcoming Works by Oscar Hokia

• Oscar Hokia shares insights into his writing process, mentioning he is polishing a new novel while also having completed a rough draft for a third book.

• He emphasizes his focus on themes at the intersection of Native American and Mexican cultures, which he considers his unique contribution to the literary landscape.

Recognition and Contribution to Literature

• The interviewer acknowledges Hokia's distinct voice in Native American literature, appreciating how he explores cultural interplay and influences among different communities.

• There is an emphasis on the importance of these contributions to ongoing literary conversations about identity and culture.

Book Recommendations and Closing Remarks

• The conversation wraps up with strong recommendations for Hokia's latest book, described as one of the top reads recently.

• Viewers are encouraged to pre-order upcoming novels from both authors discussed during the event. Links are provided for easy access.

Event Conclusion

• The host thanks everyone for attending and mentions that recordings will be available on their YouTube channel for those who wish to revisit or share the discussion.