No Man’s Land Reading Series Hosted Author David Heska Wanbli Weiden

Each spring semester, the OPSU Department of English hosts the annual No Man’s Land Reading Series, an event funded by the Masonic Endowment for Cultural Enrichment. This series invites notable writers to engage with the community through readings, lectures, and discussions of their work. This year, the series proudly featured David Heska Wanbli Weiden, a Lakota American author of crime and thriller novels and a professor of Native American studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Dr. Weiden is known for his debut novel, Winter Counts, which won an Anthony Award, Lefty Award, ITW Thriller Award, Barry Award, and Macavity Award.

The No Man’s Land Reading Series serves as a cultural event for OPSU and the surrounding communities. It aims to provide a cultural outlet that extends beyond the university, benefiting the students and the artistic community at large. Each event typically concludes with a Q&A session, giving attendees a chance to interact with the author. This is followed by book sales and signings, creating a personal and engaging experience for all participants.

Dr. Jarrett Kaufman, Assistant Professor of English and the director of the series, emphasizes the event’s educational value. “It is my hope that the No Man’s Land Reading Series will become a valuable part of our students’ education.” He continued, “This event is a collaborative effort in which faculty and students work together to bring to the OPSU campus and the area award winning writers who will share their works that would both educate and entertain our audiences.”

Bringing the No Man’s Land Reading Series to the Panhandle ensures that high-quality cultural and educational experiences are accessible to all. The ongoing support from the Masonic Endowment for Cultural Enrichment plays a crucial role in sustaining this invaluable tradition, enriching the lives of students, faculty, and community members.