11 Indigenous Authors You Should Be Reading Instead Of Joseph Boyden
Turn these pages.
In a written statement, Boyden, who has at various points claimed Metis, Anishinaabe, Nipmuc and Mi'kmaq heritage, admits he has stolen the spotlight on Indigenous issues as he is "a white kid from Willowdale with native roots."
What does authenticity mean when it comes to fiction? The next time you're looking for a page-turner, consider one of Canada's authentic Indigenous authors who prove a strong sense of identity can go a long way.
Richard Wagamese
Public speaker, columnist and storyteller, Richard Wagamese is one of Canada's most prominent Indigenous authors in a range of genres. Originally from the Wabaseemoong First Nation, Wagamese has written over a dozen books.
One of his most popular novels to date, Indian Horse, draws on heartfelt experience growing up as an Ojibway boy in Northwestern Ontario. It is currently being adapted into a feature film.
Rosanna Deerchild
Cree broadcaster and poet Rosanna Deerchild is currently the host of Unreserved on CBC Radio One. Deerchild's second book, Calling Down the Sky, is a deeply personal poetry collection about the residential school experience. The book tells the story of her own mother, as well as Deerchild's struggles with the intergenerational trauma of residential schools.
Rosanna Deerchild (supplied)
Tracey Lindberg
Birdie is the first book from award-winning Cree academic writer and educator Tracey Lindberg. The critically-acclaimed novel is about a young woman's experience of recovering from wounds of the past, informed by the lore and knowledge of Cree traditions. This powerful debut novel is described as being deeply personal, yet painfully familiar.