About Us
The Company
• Mandate / Objectives
Since it began in 1993, Kegedonce Press has been committed to the development, promotion, and publication of the work of Indigenous writers nationally and internationally.
We strive to foster the creative cultural expression of Indigenous Peoples through the publication of beautifully crafted books which involve Indigenous Peoples in all levels of production and by supporting activities which promote Indigenous literary development and the development of Indigenous publishing.
• Geographic Location and Community Served
Kegedonce Press is a Native owned and operated company based at Neyaashiinigmiing, on the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation. We are committed to our guiding vision of publishing and promoting works of the Indigenous writers and supporting the enterprise of Indigenous artists, graphic illustrators, designers, editors, printers and others in related fields.
Role in Aboriginal Publishing
Kegedonce Press is one of only three established Aboriginal publishers in Canada, and one of only two that publishes Aboriginal writers as general practice (the other specializes in Métis writing). We are the only Aboriginal publishing company in Ontario, the only Aboriginal publisher committed to publishing poetry, and the only one with a commitment and experience in developing international markets.
The quality of our publications is extremely good and will continue to improve as our distribution increases, our markets expand and we become better equipped to respond to the growing interest in our program and the demand for our services and materials. Whenever possible, production and design is undertaken or overseen by Indigenous artists, graphic artists, designers and printers. High quality design, materials and production are the cornerstones of our aesthetic approach to publishing. We look to be innovative in approach, to take risks as necessary in the selection and design of all of our material, insofar as it will challenge existing perceptions, stereotypes and expectations.
Kegedonce believes that creating and nurturing a larger audience will be of benefit to all of our writers. Building markets for all Indigenous writers - First Peoples, Native American, Maori, and Aboriginal - will develop an international readership with a wider range of Indigenous writing. For the past 9 years we have been active in the development of Indigenous publishing through networking with other Aboriginal publishers on an international basis. We demonstrate this commitment through our ongoing contact with four international Indigenous publishers: Jukurrpa Books (IAD Press), and Magabala Books both of Australia, and Huia Publishers and Kupu Ao Publishers both of Aotearoa /New Zealand.
Our groundbreaking work in this area of international collaboration serves to promote local Indigenous writers and exposes their work to promising new markets. It is our belief that collaborations and co-productions with other Indigenous publishers and others in the literary field are key in the development of Kegedonce Press and our writers.
In addition to our publishing efforts, Kegedonce provides editorial advice and assistance to several Aboriginal writers. We also review and provide commentary on the numerous manuscripts that we receive. We take the time to work with writers during the early stages of their work by providing feedback, suggestions for making manuscripts "publisher-ready" and circulating calls for submission and other relevant information. We develop strong relationships with our authors and work closely with them prior to accepting them for publication and throughout the entire publishing process.
We also develop and maintain networks within Indigenous writing circles and over the years we have attained a high level of acceptance and respect within the Indigenous arts community. Indeed, Kegedonce Press has recently accepted the responsibility as a third party recommender for the Ontario Arts Council's Writers Reserve Program. Based on our experience and specific focus on Aboriginal writers, it was deemed by the OAC that Kegedonce was in the unique position to identify new talent and encourage development through this program.
Organizational Structure
Owner/Managing Editor - Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Chippewas of Nawash First Nation
Publishing Manager - Renee K. Abram, Oneida Nation (Onyota’a:ka), Wolf Clan
Publishing Assistant - Kim Skene
Sales : Literary Press Group
TRADE ORDERS:• LIT DISTCO
c/o 100 Armstrong Avenue
Georgetown, Ontario L7G 3S4
toll-free phone (Canada, US): 1-800-591-6250
toll-free fax (Canada, US): 1-800-591-6251
email: orders@litdistco.ca• TERMS
Discount: 40% for 5 books or more, 46% for wholesalers (5 books or more)
Returns: Books may be returned for credit three months after the invoice date, and within twelve months of the invoice date, provided that they are in resaleable condition and free of retailer’s stickers. All returns must be properly packaged and sent prepaid to the Lit DistCo address.
Freight: Free shipping on orders of 10 copies or more. Terms subject to change at any time.