Kalli Van Stone
August 06th, 2026
Many poets have used bird imagery in their work. In her debut collection welík’t (Nightwood $24.95), Kalli Van Stone—whose name Spyu7 means “bird” in Secwepemctsín—gives that image an Interior Salish voice. welík’t means “sparkle,” and Van Stone does so here in abundance. From nkm̓aplqs, the Okanagan Indian Band community at the north end of Okanagan Lake, she is a syilx Okanagan and Secwépemc poet and interdisciplinary artist. Organized in nsyilxcən, Secwepemctsín and English, with translations and Van Stone’s artwork throughout, the collection draws upon Interior Salish song, dance and music to explore cultural revitalization and intergenerational healing. 9780889715165
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