Chris La Tray - Rediscovering His Past, Writing His Future

Episode • Jun 25, 2020 • 1h 9m

Chris La Tray is a writer, poet, and musician, as well as the author of the award-winning book "One Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large." Chris is also an enrolled member of the Little Shell Tribe—a Native American tribe that was just recently recognized by the United States government, and prior to the recognition was known as the "landless Indians of Montana." Chris's immense talents as a storyteller combined with his unique personal perspective allow him to offer a fresh approach to understanding the complexities of the modern-day American West.

Chris was born and raised in Frenchtown, Montana, a small blue-collar community located just west of Missoula. Growing up with a deep passion for music, Chris headed to Seattle soon after high school to pursue a career as a professional rock musician, but he eventually made his way back to Frenchtown, where he worked for years in the manufacturing industry. But in 2015, following the death of his father, Chris quit his manufacturing consulting job and went all-in on pursuing his dream of being a full-time storyteller. A few years later, he published One Sentence Journal and has been widely recognized as one of the West's most unique up-and-coming authors.

Chris and I had an interesting and timely conversation about his career, his life as a writer and musician, and his family's heritage as members of the Little Shell Tribe. We start out by discussing the genesis of his idea for "One Sentence Journal," how writing the book has changed his life, and a few stories from his many years as a professional musician. Then, we talk in-depth about the long-overdue federal recognition of his tribe and his thoughts on how the tribe can move forward. We also discuss how the long-term treatment of his tribe gives Chris unique insights into the current national discussions around race and privilege here in the United States. Chris also offers up a long list of excellent books on a wide variety of subjects related to the West and Native Americans that I know you will all find useful. Links to everything are in the episode notes.

Thanks to Chris for taking the time to chat, and I encourage you to check out One Sentence Journal. But in the meantime, enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Chris La Tray.

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Chris La Tray

"One Sentence Journal" by Chris La Tray

Full Episode Notes: https://mountainandprairie.com/chris-la-tray/

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TOPICS DISCUSSED

6:30 - Influence of Jim Harrison
8:40 - Writing practice that led to “One Sentence Journal”
11:30 - The amazing community of Montana writers
14:30 - The “practice” of creative output
16:30 - Decision to leave his manufacturing job
19:30 - Early years in Montana and beyond
21:30 - Music’s role in Chris’s life
24:00 - Becoming a “musician”
25:30 - Reading/writing vs music
27:00 - Chris’s Little Shell Tribe heritage
32:30 - Emotional impact of learning family’s history
35:15 - Thoughts on the Little Shell’s federal recognition
38:30 - Ideas for the future of the Little Shell Tribe
40:00 - Specifics of federal recognition
44:00 - How to read to expand knowledge and eliminate blind spots
46:30 - Hope for the future?
54:00 - Fact and Fiction Bookstore
59:00 - Favorite books
1:03:30 - Favorite location in the West
1:05:30 - Parting words of wisdom

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