The Indigenous Poets Society has played host to a unique event in Saskatoon — an erotic poetry slam.

The Saturday event included a spoken word poetry competition, as well as a performance by Indigenous author Tenille Campbell whose works include a collection of poems about Indigenous erotica and the humour within.

Although the event was billed as an erotic Indigenous poetry slam, performers were free to speak about a topic of their choice. The name is meant to challenge performers to step out of their comfort zone.

Kevin Wesaquate, event organizer and founder of the Indigenous Poetry Society, said the organization has hosted poetry slams for about two years, but this was its first poetry slam focusing on erotica.

"It's really difficult to take your literature, and take your thoughts and ideas, and then bring them out right in front of everybody," he said.

"When we do it, we do it as a community and we're always giving positive strokes for people and trying to help people build up."

Wesaquate said performers often write about a variety of topics, both serious and lighthearted.

"There's a lot of talk in regards to social injustices that happen, so you have a lot of social justice-type poetry, [but] we also try to be funny with our poetry as well, so we use a lot of humour with our pieces," he said.

"The passion in it lies in the power to self-express, to share your thoughts and your opinions."

The event has been titled the Erotic Indigenous Poetry SLAM featuring Tenille Campbell.