FAQ
These are some of the frequently asked questions I recieve.
If you do not find an answer here, please reach out!
Your stories take place all over Turtle Island, why is that?
I have been fortunate to live in and learn from multiple Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, and each of my books is often inspired by a single moment or experience from my life. The setting of my stories is shaped by where that moment happened, and I always work closely with people from those territories to ensure that I am creating the book in a good way—with respect, reciprocity, and involvement from the community. Whether through conversations with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, or local artists, I strive to honor the voices and traditions of the lands that inspire my work.
Anishinaabemowin is the language you use in many of your books - but you are Métis, why do you not use Michif?
My family had strong ties to the fur trade and most likely spoke multiple languages, including Michif and french, however, I only have oral history of my great grandpa speaking anishinaabemowin. From what I have been told he would only speak it when he was drinking and it would cause rifts between him and my great grandmother when he spoke it. To honour my families loss of language, I try to include words when I can, as well as learn as much as I can to revitilize it.
Are you self published or traditionally published?
I am traditionally published and I have books with multiple publishers, and look forward to building connections to other publishers in future too. I currently also work in publishing to help find Indigenous folks who want to share their stories or artwork, so if you have any children's book ideas - reach out! I'd love to help you share your stories.
Your books all touch on Indigenous topics; why is this?
I never really set out to make books. When I wrote the first one it started out as a poem, I had just drove the highway of tears for the first time and I woke up to some very powerful dreams. I started writing and ended up with "Together we drum, our hearts beat as one". I fell in love with the story and I wanted others to feel its power and beauty too. I had written for years before I ever pursued publishing something, and I never really thought it would work out. Indigeneity has been a big part of my life, and even as a young child my school work often focused on that part of me. Working with Indigenous youth was also a huge inspiration; I wanted to write things that they loved and felt inspired by, and so I did, and although I'm sure I'll write other things, the books I've written thus far have been so important to me.
Do you visit schools or libraries? Can I book you?
I sure do! Reach out to me and we can see if it aligns with any of my travel schedules!
(for questions about Identity, I answer most on my about me page, but for family documents and info about my MNO membership please reach out and I will send you a link to a google folder)