Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves Métis legends with dystopian dreams—meet Cherie Dimaline! Born in 1975, this Métis author has captivated readers with her unique blend of Indigenous storytelling and contemporary fantasy. Her novels, like The Marrow Thieves and Empire of Wild, pulse with cultural depth and heart, earning her a cherished spot in Young Adult fiction and beyond.
The Making of Cherie Dimaline
Cherie Dimaline grew up in the Georgian Bay Métis community in Ontario, surrounded by stories that shaped her imagination. Summers spent with her grandmother, listening to tales in English and Michif, sparked her love for narrative. Without a high school diploma, Dimaline took an unconventional path, working as a magician’s assistant, museum curator, and women’s resource center director before her writing career took flight. Her early role as a columnist for Chatelaine and founding editor of Muskrat Magazine honed her voice as a Métis storyteller.
Cherie Dimaline’s Unforgettable Stories
Dimaline’s novels are a vibrant tapestry of Indigenous heritage and modern struggles. Her breakout, The Marrow Thieves (2017), is a dystopian Young Adult novel where Indigenous people are hunted for their bone marrow, a haunting allegory for colonial exploitation. It won the Governor General’s Award and Kirkus Prize, lauded for its emotional depth and ecological themes. Empire of Wild (2019), her adult debut, reimagines the Métis rougarou legend, blending dark fantasy with themes of identity and loss. The Girl Who Grew a Galaxy (2013) showcases her lyrical style, following a young woman’s cosmic journey through trauma. Her 2021 sequel, Hunting by Stars, continues her dystopian saga with gripping intensity. Dimaline’s writing is raw, poetic, and unflinching, weaving Métis folklore with contemporary issues like cultural survival and resilience.
Her stories resonate because they’re rooted in her Métis identity. Dimaline has said she writes for Indigenous readers first, preserving stories that keep her culture alive. Her work spans genres—YA, adult fiction, speculative storytelling—yet always carries the heartbeat of her community’s oral traditions.
Why Cherie Dimaline Matters
Cherie Dimaline’s impact stretches far beyond the page. As the first Indigenous writer-in-residence for the Toronto Public Library and a champion of Indigenous voices, she’s paved the way for emerging Native authors. Her stories challenge stereotypes, offering authentic portrayals of Indigenous experiences that resonate globally. The Marrow Thieves, now being adapted for television, has inspired young readers to embrace their heritage. Dimaline’s 2021 Writers’ Trust Engel/Findley Award underscores her role as a transformative storyteller, blending Métis mythology with urgent modern narratives.
- Born: July 2, 1975
- Key Works: The Marrow Thieves, Empire of Wild, The Girl Who Grew a Galaxy, Hunting by Stars
- Awards: Governor General’s Award (2017), Kirkus Prize (2017), Writers’ Trust Engel/Findley Award (2021)
Ready to dive into Cherie Dimaline’s mesmerizing world? Grab The Marrow Thieves and lose yourself in her powerful blend of Métis magic and modern grit!