Québec Native Literature from 1970 to 2022

Abstract

This article provides an overview of Quebec's French-speaking native literature, which is currently becoming more widespread. Its birth and the obstacles encountered over the years are analyzed, with a late affirmation, after the 1970s, due to the historically conflicting relationship between the indigenous peoples and the Quebec school system, and facilitated by the relative sedentarization provided by the creation of the first reservations. We demonstrate how its original manifestations, of a more political and essayistic nature, evolved to encompass several other literary genres, asserting itself today as a space for research and aesthetic creation. We identifie the main themes addressed by the writers, their characteristics and style. We addresse the difficulties of publishing and disseminating the works, and various limitations that lead authors to write mainly in French and not in their native languages. Finally, the achievements of native writers in this historical path are highlighted, as well as the legitimation strategies they adopted and the literary infrastructure they built.