Author Alexie to discuss Native American themes in his films, books

From Inhouse, UNT's faculty and staff news source

Author, poet and screenwriter Sherman Alexie will discuss his work at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 in the University Union, Silver Eagle Suite. A book signing will follow Alexie’s presentation.

Alexie’s novel, Flight, is UNT's One Book, One Community reading for 2010-11. Flight addresses themes of Native American culture and family dynamics. Freshmen were given a copy of Flight at orientation this fall, and it is part of the core curriculum’s required freshman English class.

One Book, One Community is an annual project at UNT that focuses on a theme of general interest to students, faculty, staff, administration and the public.

Alexie has produced award-winning novels, poems, essays and films, including 1998’s Smoke Signals, a Sundance Film Festival winner shown on campus Sept. 29 as part of One Book, One Community activities.

Alexie, a Native American born in 1966 in Wellpinit, Wash., on the Spokane Reservation, was not expected to survive health problems or do well in school. However, he learned to read at age 3, left the reservation to complete high school and attended Gonzaga University. He received a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Washington State University.

Alexie received the Washington State Arts Commission Poetry Fellowship in 1991 and the National Endowment for the Arts Poetry Fellowship in 1992, then began producing award-winning novels, poems, essays and films.

Alexie received the 2010 PEN/Faulkner Award for War Dances, a collection of short stories and essays. His book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian won a 2007 National Book Award.

What: Sherman Alexie is a poet, screenwriter and the author of UNT’s One Book, One Community selection, Flight.

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28

Where: University Union Silver Eagle Suite

Cost: Tickets can be bought in the University Union Information Center, level 3.

• $8 for general public
• $4 for UNT faculty, staff and UNT Alumni Association
• $5 for groups
• Free for UNT students with ID

For more information, call 940-565-3805. Tickets can be bought in the University Union Information Center, level 3.

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• Mean Green facing Kansas State in last game at Fouts Field
• Moving Forward: Emerald Eagle Scholars program receives $1 million gift
• NSF grant funding scholarships for future math and science teachers
• George W. Bush, Spike Lee and Sherman Alexie to speak on campus
• Concert hall reopens after $6.4 million makeover
• Faculty Focus: Richard Fossey
• Traditions: UNT pursues more energy savings
• Featured Link: Alumni share UNT experiences, lessons in essays
• UNT Alumni Association