Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) is excited to debut Animikii Mazina’iganan: Thunderbird Press, a teaching press for those living in the present and dreaming of the future. The press aims to publish innovative, culturally significant, high-quality works in English or Anishinaabemowin. The press’ first publication, Fur Trade Nation, by renowned artist Carl Gawboy, will be released this spring.
“After more than a decade of publishing The Thunderbird Review, our annual literary journal, it’s time to see what more we can do for our community in Northern Minnesota. The Thunderbird Press is another way of teaching the people who are here now and keeping knowledge alive for future generations,” shared Kelly McCalla, Vice President of Academic Affairs at FDLTCC.
As part of FDLTCC’s land grant status, the Thunderbird Press will publish manuscripts that contain information useful to the various communities served by the college. The Press aims to publish manuscripts that generate a greater understanding of the region’s past, bring communities together to address the concerns and problems of the present, and ensure that generations to come can live a good life in the region.
“It is the perfect time to say yes to this faculty-led project,” shared FDLTCC President, Anita Hanson, “We are celebrating our core value of stewardship this spring. Starting Animikii Mazina’iganan will help protect and promote the rich cultural, intellectual, and literary history of our region.”
The Thunderbird Press team is excited to join the community of small regional presses in our area with its first publication, Fur Trade Nation. Using pen and ink drawings, Carl Gawboy (Bois Forte) explores the history of the Fur Trade and its impact on Minnesota. A release party will be hosted at FDLTCC on April 30. More information can be found at https://fdltcc.edu/event/carl-gawboy-book-release-party/.
“I’ve loved Carl’s book since I saw the first set of drawings. In fact, I loved it so much I agreed to help found a college press,” shared Thunderbird Press Editor and FDLTCC English Faculty member, Rain Newcomb, “It’s exciting to come full circle. I began working at a tiny press in Duluth (that was a century ago). Publishing has changed dramatically since then, with technological advances upending the bookmaking process. We have the opportunity to publish books that are unique in what they say and how they say it.”
At this point, the press is limited to publishing one manuscript each academic year. To learn more about Animikii Mazina’iganan: Thunderbird Press, and Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History, please visit: https://fdltcc.edu/thunderbird-press/ or contact Rain Newcomb at rnewcomb*AT*fdltcc.edu.