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Collingwood's new poet laureate will use platform to promote inclusion

'The arts are an effective way to bring diverse people together,' says new poet laureate, Jillian Morris
Jillian Morris
Jillian Morris writes: unconditional love is on display for us each day in nature and life around us.

Collingwood’s new poet laureate is ready for her new title and plans to use the platform to continue her work promoting inclusion and bringing diverse people together. 

Jillian Morris is a writer, poet, and storyteller whose work appears in CollingwoodToday monthly. She is Kanien’kehaka, a member of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, and she currently lives in Collingwood where she serves as a member of the Unity Collective. 

She was named Collingwood’s poet laureate on April 5, 2022, for a two-year term. 

“There’s a lot stirring in me right now, but, overall, I feel ready for this,” said Morris in an email to CollingwoodToday. “It’s humbling to be recognized for creations that come from such raw places within us.” 

Morris, a former federal public servant and now writer, researcher, creator, public engager, mother, wife, and bridge builder, was selected after an open call for submissions for the town’s poet laureate position. The role is meant to elevate poetry, writers and literary arts in the community. 

“I feel a personal/moral duty to use this platform as another means to promote inclusion,” said Morris. “The arts are an effective way to bring diverse people together. Creatives come from all sorts of backgrounds.” 

In her writing and poems, Morris shares traditional teachings with an emphasis on the way the truths taught by her ancestors can unite all people. Her poem A Tribute to our Stolen Spirits is installed at the Awen Gathering Circle, and she read it out loud during town ceremonies to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

“As I think about what’s to come in this role, I’m hopeful,” said Morris. “I’m expecting challenges, and celebrations, and doubts, and growth and I look forward to it all.” 

Morris’ duty as poet laureate will have her appear at town events to read her own or others’ poetry. She will begin on April 19 at the town council meeting by reciting a poem following her introduction. 

April is National Poetry Month, so in addition to the town’s announcement of a new Poet Laureate, the town has also set up an outdoor exhibition on the Train Trail for the month. Poems and photographs from local artists are on display along the trail between the Collingwood Museum and Collins Street. The theme for this year’s poetry month is intimacy. 

The town named Day Merrill its first poet laureate in May 2018, who was followed by 2020 poet laureate, Claudia Ferraro.


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Erika Engel

About the Author: Erika Engel

Erika regularly covers all things news in Collingwood as a reporter and editor. She has 15 years of experience as a local journalist
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