LodgePole Arts Alliance is excited to join Kingston WritersFest in presenting Sculpted by Storms, an evening dedicated to the power of Indigenous storytelling, music, and conversation.

Taking place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this special gathering brings together award-winning Cree author Michelle Good, celebrated broadcaster and Queen’s University Chancellor Shelagh Rogers, and Indigenous singer-songwriter Kym Gouchie for an evening that honours stories of resilience, identity, family, and connection.

Storytelling has always been an important way of carrying knowledge, sharing experiences, and building relationships. At LodgePole Arts Alliance, we are committed to creating opportunities that celebrate Indigenous artists and storytellers while inviting our wider community to engage with diverse voices and perspectives.

An Evening with Michelle Good

Michelle Good is one of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous authors. Her debut novel, Five Little Indians, received widespread acclaim, including the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Amazon Canada First Novel Award, and was selected as the Canada Reads winner in 2022.

During Sculpted by Storms, Michelle Good will be in conversation with Shelagh Rogers about her highly anticipated new novel, Eliza Sunshine.

The novel follows three generations of Cree women whose lives are shaped by family, survival, storytelling, and their relationship with the land. Together, Good and Rogers will explore the role of stories in understanding the past, connecting generations, and creating space for truth and reflection.

Special Performance by Kym Gouchie

The evening will also feature a special performance from Kym Gouchie, an Indigenous singer-songwriter and cultural ambassador from the Lheidli T’enneh Nation.

Known for blending folk, roots, and traditional sounds, Kym’s music shares stories of resilience, social justice, language revitalization, and cultural strength. Her performance will add another layer of connection and reflection to this meaningful evening.

Celebrating Indigenous Stories and Voices

The evening will begin with a welcome from Jan Hill, who will offer a welcome to guests on behalf of the First Nation whose lands we gather upon as a gesture of respect and recognition.

Following this opening, Armand Ruffo will guide the conversation with Michelle Good and introduce the evening’s featured guests. Through his role as host, Armand will help create space for thoughtful dialogue and connection around the importance of Indigenous literature, storytelling, and lived experiences.

Through this collaboration with Kingston WritersFest, LodgePole Arts Alliance continues its commitment to supporting Indigenous writers, artists, and storytellers while creating opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange.

Sculpted by Storms is an invitation to gather, listen, and experience the many ways stories can connect us, to one another, to the land, and to the generations who came before us.

Event Details & Tickets

When: Wednesday, September 30th 2026
Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm, event starts at 7:00 pm
Where: Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

Tickets are available through the Isabel Box Office.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader, passionate about Indigenous literature, or looking for a meaningful way to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Sculpted by Storms promises an unforgettable evening of stories, music, and conversation.