Additional information
by Chief R. Stacey Laforme (Author)
Chief Stacey Laforme, an esteemed Indigenous leader and storyteller, breathes life into every poem and story, drawing upon his deep cultural roots. Rich with the essence of his soul, the poems in Beneath the Surface capture the moments and emotions that have shaped him, offering a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and hope. Through humour and pain, Laforme invites readers to not just read, but to truly feel the weight and wisdom carried within each verse.
This collection goes beyond poetry, providing rich backstories and leadership insights that contextualize the verses. As in his earlier collections, Living in the Tall Grass and Love, Life, Loss and a little bit of hope, Laforme once again extends an invitation to readers, encouraging them to see the world through Indigenous eyes. Themes of peace, humanity, grief, and trauma are woven throughout the book, creating a tapestry of reflection, healing, and ultimately, hope.
Beneath the Surface serves as both a deeply personal reflection and a call for greater understanding and connection, illuminating the complexities of life through the lens of Indigenous wisdom and storytelling.
At the end of this book, this journey, Laforme seeks to help you better answer the following questions. Who was I, Who am I, and Who do I want to be? As a person, a people, a country, a world, who do we want to be?
Author Biography
Chief R. Stacey Laforme is a distinguished poet and storyteller from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Recently retired as elected Chief, he continues to inspire as a speaker and cultural leader. His poetry gives voice to reconciliation, resilience, and Indigenous identity, blending lived experience with ancestral wisdom. Chief Laforme has shared his work across Canada and internationally, including leading a historic delegation to the UK in 2023, where he became the first Anishinaabe Chief to meet the British Monarch in over 160 years. He is an Honourary Senior Fellow at Massey College, recognized for his lifelong contributions to Indigenous culture.
