The second annual UNBC Poetry Train left Prince George this morning for a series of writing workshops and public readings in various communities around northwestern BC.

The Poetry Train is the result of a partnership between Via Rail and UNBC’s annual Just West of Unruly creative writing festival. It features various poets who conduct writing workshops on board and then host public readings at various stops en route. This year, the Poetry Train is following Via Rails’s Skeena Route, traveling from Prince George to Prince Rupert and return. Last year, the Poetry Train traveled from Winnipeg to Prince George.

The writers participating this year are Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Joanne Arnott, Michael Blackstock, and Heather Harris.

The schedule of public readings follows:

- Terrace, Tonight, September 21, 7:30pm, Skeena Junior Secondary

- Prince Rupert, Tomorrow, September 22, 8:30pm, Museum of Northern BC

- Hazelton, Friday, September 23, 7:30pm, ‘Ksan Village Museum

- Smithers, Saturday, September 24, evening feast and reading at the Mammoth Lodge in Granisle

- Prince George, Sunday, September 25, 8:30pm, Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum

This year, the Poetry Train and the Just West of Unruly creative writing festival is linked with the UNBC Aboriginal Writers and Storytellers Festival, which will continue in Prince George upon the arrival of the Poetry Train. Readings and performances are scheduled through until October 8. For details, see storytelling.unbc.ca.

Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622