Estrella Yao / Staff reporter 

According to CBC News “Indians on Vacation”, Thomas king’s highly praised novel, Indians on Vacation, finds inspiration in old postcards and the investigation of family history. Through Bird and Mimi’s adventure across Europe, King creates a story of discovery that combines wit and insight to explore personal and political complexities. 

Early Year

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia article “Thomas King”, Thomas King is prominent Canadian novelist, essayist, screenwriter, and photographer. He is known for his contributions to Indigenous literature and insightful commentaries on the indigenous experience in North America. King was born on April 24, 1943, in Roseville, California. His mother was Greek, and his father was Cherokee.

King’s early life was abundant, as he struggled with academics and then tried a variety of jobs, such as dice dealer and bank teller. Later, he traveled across the Pacific to work as a photographer in New Zealand and Australia.

After returning to the United States, he completed his education at Chico State University and the University of Utah, eventually earning a doctorate. In 1980, he moved to Canada and began teaching at the University of Lethbridge, where he began his literary career in the Department of Indigenous Studies. 

Thomas King: An Indigenous Renaissance | The Agenda

Works

King’s debut novel, Medicine River, which he completed in 1990. This novel received wide critical acclaim and was adapted into a movie by CBC.  This marked the beginning of King’s productive writing career. This success also paved the way for a series of praised works such as “Green Grass, Running Water” (1993) and “The Back of the Turtle” (2014).

  • Medicine River
  • Green Grass, Running Water
  • The Back of the Turtle

One of King’s best-known works is “The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America” (2012). In this book, he skillfully explores the historical and current injustices faced by indigenous communities and combines scholarly research and personal reflection in a thought-provoking way. The film’s critical and commercial success is also a proof that King’s works can appeal to audiences from different backgrounds.

“But remember this: the land is always there.  It’s the people who change.” 

– Thomas King,
“The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America”

In addition to his literary accomplishments, King has made significant contributions to Indigenous storytelling through other mediums. According to “Thomas King is hopeful that his writing has changed the world — but he’s still not sure” by Ryan B. Patrick, King has been the storytelling editor for CBC Television’s “Four Directions” program and created the popular radio series “Dead Dog Café Comedy Hour”.   Furthermore, he has worked on film projects such as “Medicine River” (2017) and “A Short History of Indians in Canada” (2017), which have further amplified Indigenous voices in the media. 

Four Directions & Dead Dog Café Comedy Hour

Achievements

Thomas King has received numerous awards throughout his brilliant career for his outstanding contributions to literature. According to “Thomas King exposed inconvenient Indigenous truths” by Allan Bonner, King’s novels Medicine River (1990), The back of Turtle (2014), and Indians on Vacation (2020) have all been awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award, one of Canada’s most honored literary prizes, which highlights King’s talent for creating engaging narratives that resonate with readers. These honors not only recognize King’s literary strength, but also demonstrate his profound impact on Canadian literature and solidify his position as one of Canada’s premier storytellers as well. 

His work often connects historical narratives with contemporary issues faced by indigenous peoples. According to “Looking at the Tragicomedy of Canadian Native-White Relations with Thomas King” by Remi L. Roy, King’s acutely perceptive on topics such as colonialism, displacement, and identity resonate deeply with readers. He used humour as a tool for entertainment and criticism, challenging conventional views and uncovering the overlooked truths.

According to “The Inconvenience Indian” by Hans Tammemagi, King’s influence extends even beyond the literary world. He has also been involved in politics, especially running as an NDP candidate in Guelph, Ontario in 2007. His advocating for indigenous rights and representation reflected his commitment to social justice both within and outside the literary field.

Influences

Thomas King’s legacy as a writer, educator, and activist continues to inspire generations, promoting communication and understanding across cultural divides. His insights into the complexities of the Indigenous experience earned him a wide range of admiration and strengthened his position as a literary icon in North America.

The works of Thomas King provide a path for Gleneagles Secondary students to explore important themes of cultural identity, racism, and social justice… There are themes about Indigenous people that are frequently discussed in literature and social studies classes. Through his fascinating storytelling and combination of humor and insight, King’s work encourages students to look at things with creativity and critical thinking.

Thomas King’s literary works delve into the theme of Indigenous identity by connecting cultural heritage to historical trauma. His unique writing style captures readers’ attention and leads them to think deeply about the complexity of the Indigenous experience.

In addition to his literary contributions, King’s advocacy for Indigenous rights and social justice is profoundly rooted in his art. He amplified Indigenous voices through radio, essays, and public appearances, encouraging people to confront the difficulties of Canada’s colonial history and current realities. King’s determined pursuit of truth resonates throughout his work, inspiring readers to examine their own views and beliefs with a critical perspective. 

Thomas King’s stories are not only entertaining, but also educational, inspiring deeper conversations about the ongoing struggles of Indigenous affairs. As students explore his work, they are urged to stimulate creativity and critical thinking, engaging with the abundant Indigenous experiences presented in King’s stories.

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