Candies: A Humour Composite

Basil Johnston was one of the foremost Anishinaabe writers and storytellers, and his comedic stories about life in Residential School, Indian School Days, is a classic. Candies was Johnston’s first collection of humorous works in decades. Excerpt from ＂Indian on Bicycle＂ found in Candies: Both cars raced off. Tires squealed. Rubber burned. 50 ... 60 ... 70 ... 80 miles an hour. Behind, the old Indian, his hair flying, his shirt flapping and snapping like a wind-blown flag, was desperately ringing his bell, ＂ding, ding, ding.＂ ...＂Better get ready to flag down a couple of fool kids racing down the road about 80 miles an hour. But you won’t believe this ... there’s an old Indian on a bicycle trying to pass them!＂

Basil Johnston is cherished as an esteemed Anishinaabe writer, storyteller, language teacher and scholar. He was born in Wasauking First Nation in 1929, and was a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. Johnston was awarded the Order of Ontario, three honourary doctorates, and the 2013 OAC Aboriginal Arts Award.