2025 Poet Ambassador in Residence: Tawhida Tanya Evanson
The League is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Poet Ambassador in Residence will be spoken word artist Tawhida Tanya Evanson!
Tawhida Tanya Evanson
Tawhida Tanya Evanson is a Canadian poet, novelist, artist and Ashiq known for her innovative work blending poetry, orality, music and multimedia. Born and based in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, she performs internationally, has produced four audio recordings, six short films and the award-winning 2024 Afrofuturist concert film CYANO SUN SUITE. Evanson has two published poetry collections and her debut novel Book of Wings won the 2022 CAM/Blue Metropolis New Contribution Prize. Her French autotranslation Livre des ailes was published in 2023. Evanson's work explores themes of African diasporic identity, Sufi spirituality and the human condition, and she has received acclaim at home and abroad for her captivating performances and unique approach to poetry. She produces multimedia events as Mother Tongue Media, is recognized for her role as director of the Banff Centre Spoken Word program and is current president of the Quebec Writers' Federation. She moonlights as a whirling dervish.
The Poet Ambassador in Residence program is an opportunity for the League to work with some of Canada’s most exciting poets in support of our mission. In addition to receiving financial support for their own creative work, the Ambassador will work directly with the League’s community of poets through drop-in consultations, workshops, and events. The Ambassador will also support several of the League’s cherished core programs such as Poem in Your Pocket Day, the LCP Chapbook Series, and Poetry Pause.
PAIR schedule: February - May 2025
We are excited to have a tentative schedule of events with our Poet Ambassador during her tenure, from online poetry readings to in-person drop-in consultations. Registration will be required for most events: details and registration links will be available on this page as they are ready!
Monday, April 21, 2025 (Zoom): Drop-in poetry consultations
Drop in on Zoom to meet with Poet Ambassador in Residence Tawhida Tanya Evanson for a one-on-one poetry consultation! Registration required.
April 11, 2025 (Zoom): Trance States for Creativity, with Tawhida Tanya Evanson
In this free poetry workshop guided by Tawhida Tanya Evanson, we will explore and engage in contemplative practices to attempt entry into liminal space and capture its epiphanies in verse.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (Montreal): Kama La Mackerel, Natasha Kanapé Fontaine, Tawhida Tanya Evanson
Join League Poet Ambassador in Residence Tanya Tawhida Evanson at P’tit Ours in Montreal for poetry performances by Kama La Mackerel and Natasha Kanapé Fontaine, followed by an open mic.