Connor Lafortune: The artist crafting resilience and hope through creative expression

Artist Connor Lafortune

Artist Connor Lafortune is a writer, musician, and poet who is also co-editor of A Thousand Tiny Awakenings with Lindsay Mayhew through Latitude 46 Publishing. A Thousand Tiny Awakenings is a collection of genuine and heartfelt expressions from young and marginalized creators who challenge the oppressive structures that shape our world. These narratives, poems, and artworks echo across Turtle Island, transcending borders to offer a stirring testament to resilience and hope.

Writer, poet, and musician Connor Lafortune

Connor is from Dokis First Nation on Robinson Huron Treaty territory of 1850 in Northeastern Ontario. Connor works primarily in Life Promotion, harm-reduction, mental health, and Indigenous education. He is currently in the Masters in Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University, and completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Nipissing University with a Double Honors Major in Indigenous Studies and Gender Equality and Social Justice.

Connor is Anishinaabek, Queer, and Francophone; he uses his understanding of the world to shape his creations as a writer, spoken word poet, and musician. Connor often combines the written word with traditional Indigenous beadwork and sewing to recreate the stories of colonization, showcase resilience, and imagine a new future. In 2023, he released a single in collaboration with Juno Award winner G.R. Gritt titled “Qui crie au loup? ft. Connor Lafortune.”

Above all else, Connor is an activist, a shkaabewis (helper), and a compassionate human being.

Writing evolved significantly after delving into personal experiences

On Creative Writing: What life experiences have shaped your writing style?

Connor Lafortune: My writing practice is shaped by my experiences as an Anishinaabek, Queer, and Francophone person. Despite having always been a writer, my practice has evolved significantly once I began delving into my personal experiences. I believe that my purpose is to disrupt, advocate, and educate. I am but a collection of stories waiting to be shared.

On Creative Writing: Has your writing evolved over the years? If so, how? Through writing experience? Reading a lot? Writing courses or communities? A combination, or something else?

Connor Lafortune: My writing evolved as I began working in Indigenous Life Promotion, holistic health and wellness for our communities.

As I travel and learn from Indigenous leaders and thinkers, pieces of their stories stay with me. Their visions and experiences provided me with the possibility to dream bigger; to grow alongside my artistic voice. In combination with my experiences, I began to read and write with more purpose and intention. I collect stories as I would harvest, creating something meaningful with the berries to share with my communities.

Themes of resurgence, abolition, colonialism, and Indigenous history

On Creative Writing: Can you trace any common themes across your writing?

Connor Lafortune: My writing focuses on themes of resurgence, abolition, colonialism, and Indigenous history. I often bridge academic text and personal prose to invite readers of various experiences into my stories. I believe in the importance of teaching through art. Therefore, my artistic practice involves the balance between education, entertainment, and ceremony.

Deep love of poetry and music

On Creative Writing: Which authors and/or types of books do you like to read?

Connor Lafortune: Although I mainly listen to poetry, I do find myself indulging in Indigenous literary artists such as Richard Wagamese, Thomas King, and Waubgeshig Rice who write both fiction and non-fiction. I absolutely love anything written by poet and scholar Dr. Billy Ray Belcourt. I am especially inspired by musical artists G.R. Gritt and Aysanabee who merge Indigenous storytelling, voice, and song in their albums. You can always find me listening to spoken word poets Andrea Gibson, Rudy Francisco, Javon Johnson, Phil Kaye, and Sarah Kay.

On Creative Writing: Do you edit as you write, or write and edit later?

Connor Lafortune: Prior to the last few years, I was a strong believer in editing as little as possible. Although this has changed, I still see writing as a practice that flows through me.

Despite now spending some time editing, I believe the story should remain true to its original form. For me, this practice is sacred. I find myself both editing as I write and editing later. When some lines do not come out the way I want them, I will take the time to choose better metaphors, words, and stories to share. Following an initial draft, I will craft the piece into something more concrete while always staying true to its purpose.

Thank you to River Street Writing for co-ordinating this interview with Connor!