Dixon poet prepares to publish third book
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ARLEE — Poet Victor Charlo wrote his first book even before he knew how to write. When he was a small child, Charlo’s parents bought him a pencil, pad of paper and a gum eraser. Though he only knew how to fill the pages with scribbles, that experience ignited a love for words and storytelling that has spanned 30 years.
“There was always that part of me that wanted to express myself through writing,” Charlo said.
He also recalled taking those pages and burying them in a can behind the cellar at his childhood home in Evaro.
“They are probably still buried there,” Charlo laughed.
Today Charlo’s work can be found in two published books of poetry. He is currently working on publishing his third book, which is still untitled. He estimates the book, published by Many Voices Press out of Kalispell, will be out later this year. Charlo has also written two plays along with his co-writer Zan Agzigian called “Trickster at Dirty Corner” and “Moon over Mission Dam,” which is being staged and produced in Arlee in August and September. Recently, Charlo was nominated as the state’s poet laureate by Kim Anderson, associate director at the Humanities Montana, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing a deeper understanding of humanity’s values and beliefs, intellectual achievements, diverse cultures and heritages in Montana.
Though this year’s honor went to Missoula poet Sheryl Noethe, Charlo was honored by the nomination.
“Victor’s humor, grace, humility and acute intelligence are always evident in his poems,” Anderson said. “I believe he has developed, in his work, a truly unique Montana voice.”
Anderson explained that anyone could nominate a poet to be considered for the Montana Poet Laureate position. She nominated Charlo after discussions with several statewide cultural leaders.
“He is one of our state’s most distinguished poets, in addition to being one of our state’s preeminent spiritual leaders.”
An elder and spiritual leader of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Charlo encourages others in his tribe to write down their stories.
“Everyone has a story,” he said.
Charlo learned the importance of sharing his writing when he was studying to become a Jesuit priest. For six years Charlo attended Catholic seminary school where he enjoyed writing and sharing his work with other students.
Charlo never finished seminary school but he did go on to graduate from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Administration and Curriculum from Gonzaga University.
Charlo calls his style of writing “Indian” because he writes about what he knows. He writes about reservation life and people, his family and tribal mythology and legends.
“I write when I am inspired and I am inspired by where I live along Flathead Lake and the rivers where there are eagles and ospreys,” he said.
But above all, Charlo writes for his family to preserve his own memories and shared tribal stories.
Charlo is the father of four children and has many grandchildren. His youngest daughter has translated three of her father’s poems into the Salish language.
“That’s why I do all of this,” he said. “It’s for my children and grandchildren.”
