Edmonton-based Titilope Sonuga chosen as poet laureate
Titilope Sonuga, a poet, playwright and performer, will become Edmonton’s ninth poet laureate.
Sonuga has served on various artistic and community boards in Edmonton and is the founder of Breath in Poetry Collective. She is also the author of three collections of poetry: “Down to Earth” (2011), “Abscess” (2014) and “This Is How We Disappear” (2019).
She has scripted global advertising campaigns for organizations such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Google, Intel Corporation, WHO, White Ribbon Alliance and The MacArthur Foundation, according to a release.
Having travelled extensively, the poet has facilitated adult and youth workshops across the world.
“Since 2005 the City of Edmonton has been entrusting artists to observe and reflect our lives, our city, and our people through poetry,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “I am delighted to welcome powerhouse local poet and community builder Titilope Sonuga to the role of Edmonton’s Poet Laureate and see how she transforms the role, and our city through her passion and stunning prose.”
Starting July 1, Sonuga will serve as Edmonton’s poet laureate for two years. Acting as an ambassador, the role of the poet is to reflect the city of Edmonton through readings and poetry – including official and informal events.
“Titilope Sonuga will also bring a welcoming and inclusive spirit to the role. Her focus on healing and hope makes space for all Edmontonians to come together through poetry and is exactly what the City needs in this moment,” said Edmonton Arts Council Director, Sanjay Shahani.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.