Poet Laureate to speak at Superior library

Chris La Tray is a Métis storyteller. He is a descendent of the Pembina Band of the mighty Red River of the North and he is an enrolled member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

He grew up in the Frenchtown area, currently lives in Missoula and is the Poet Laureate of Montana. La Tray is the author of One-Sentence Journal and Descended from a Travel-Worn Satchel, and he writes a regular newsletter called An Irritable Métis. He will be discussing Becoming Little Shell, his 3rd book at the Mineral County Library in Superior on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 1:30 p.m. This book was only released a few weeks ago and a bookseller in Missoula has reported that around 1,000 copies have already been sold.

LaTray always knew he was Native American, but he didn’t know much else about his identity or family history. Through interviews with friends, relatives and Indigenous people across the region he unravels the mystery of his family heritage. His father, who was Métis, didn’t talk about it, preferring to keep his identity hidden. Through his research, the book interweaves La Tray’s personal story with the rich history of the Métis.

“We are so honored to see the Montana Poet Laureate come to our library.  We are always so pleased to see Chris.  He is such a wonderful presenter, and a wonderful person,” said Guna Chaberek, Director of the Mineral County Public Library. 

Last September, La Tray and Mark Gibbons, another esteemed poet living in Missoula, spent an afternoon at the library sharing their stories, experiences and friendship with a charmed audience. Chaberek received so many compliments that an encore presentation for La Tray was scheduled for the release of his new book.

“If it is nice out Sept. 3, we will host Chris LaTray outside.  People should bring their own chairs. If the weather does not permit, we will have it inside,” she shared. 

The library is located at 301 2nd Avenue East in Superior and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (406) 822-3563.