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Photo by Kazua Melissa Vang

Japanese on Dakota land.

Let us create a space where we may all grow old.

Why Teach Historical Context for Creative Writing?

Our writing emerges from an understanding of ourselves and others; historical context is one tool that helps us refine that understanding. I define historical context as the conditions that reveal a specific time, such as cultural and social events or trends. With historical context, we can both sharpen distinctions between experiences and draw parallels between…

Intramurals and forty-three pickles.

After I drove through the old limestone arch, Google Maps took me the wrong way around the parade grounds of Shattuck-St. Mary’s School. Retired librarian Richard Kettering was waiting for me outside the clock tower of Shumway Hall, which dates from 1887. Richard kindly introduced me to what Kiyoshi Kitagawa’s world might have been like…

A Japanese cadet in Faribault.

October 5, 1927. Arose at 6. Partly cloudy. Drove to Faribault to see Kiyoshi. Gave him things. Saw boy’s drill and found Kiyoshi has trouble to carry gun which is too heavy for him. Stayed there short while and left the school and reached home at 12:10 noon. Business was very poor to-day. In brief…

To Call Yourself Home as a Hmong American on Dakota Land

This week I am featuring a guest blog post by writer Chee Vang to broaden conversations on Minnesota history and identity. Chee reflects on indigeneity and decolonization as a US-born Hmong American on Dakota land. This blog post is a shortened version of a longer essay. America. This place meant a new life after the…

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Patti Kameya is a fiscal year 2025 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.