Picture a Lakota storyteller who turned the crime fiction world upside down with a gritty, heartfelt thriller—meet David Heska Wanbli Weiden! An enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Nation, Weiden’s journey from a book-loving kid in Denver to an award-winning author and professor is as gripping as his debut novel, Winter Counts. His stories weave Native American culture, social justice, and pulse-pounding suspense, making him a standout voice in modern literature.
Weiden’s work doesn’t just entertain; it shines a spotlight on the complexities of life on Native reservations, blending raw authenticity with page-turning drama. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore how this remarkable author carved his path.
The Making of David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Born and raised in Denver’s Swansea-Elyria neighborhood, David Heska Wanbli Weiden grew up in poverty, finding solace in books. As a first-generation college student, he earned a BA from the University of Colorado Boulder, a law degree from the University of Denver, and a PhD in political science from the University of Texas at Austin. His summers spent on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota deeply influenced his storytelling, grounding his work in Sicangu Lakota culture. After practicing law, Weiden turned to academia and writing, earning an MFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts. His passion for literature and justice would soon shape his groundbreaking career.
David Heska Wanbli Weiden’s Unforgettable Stories
Weiden’s debut novel, Winter Counts (2020), is a tour de force in crime fiction. Set on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, it follows Virgil Wounded Horse, a vigilante enforcer battling a heroin influx that threatens his nephew. The novel’s raw depiction of reservation life, laced with Lakota traditions and sharp social commentary, earned it a New York Times Editors’ Choice, an Edgar Award nomination, and wins for the Anthony, Thriller, and Macavity Awards. Critics hailed it as a “once-in-a-generation thriller” for its blend of grit and heart.
Weiden also penned Spotted Tail (2019), a children’s book about the legendary Lakota leader. This beautifully illustrated biography, blending art and photography, won a Spur Award and celebrates Sicangu heritage for young readers. His short stories, featured in anthologies like Denver Noir and Best American Mystery and Suspense Stories, showcase his knack for taut, evocative prose. Weiden’s style—gritty yet lyrical, with a deep respect for Native identity—sets him apart in the crime and literary genres.
As fiction editor for Anomaly and a professor of Native American Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Weiden nurtures new voices while crafting his own. His work tackles heavy themes like systemic injustice and cultural identity with a light touch, often infused with humor and hope.
Why David Heska Wanbli Weiden Matters
Weiden’s impact transcends the page. As one of the first Native American authors to win an Anthony Award, he’s breaking barriers in crime fiction, a genre historically underrepresented by Indigenous voices. Winter Counts sheds light on the broken criminal justice system on reservations, sparking conversations about sovereignty and equity. His authentic portrayal of Lakota life challenges stereotypes, offering readers a nuanced view of Native American resilience and pride.
Through teaching, writing, and speaking, Weiden inspires a new generation of storytellers, proving that literature can be a force for change. His rise from humble beginnings to literary stardom is a testament to perseverance and the power of storytelling.
About David Heska Wanbli Weiden
- Key Works: Winter Counts (2020), Spotted Tail (2019)
- Awards: Anthony, Thriller, Macavity, Spur, and more
- Role: Professor of Native American Studies, fiction editor for Anomaly
- Heritage: Enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Nation
Snag Winter Counts and dive into David Heska Wanbli Weiden’s thrilling, soulful world of crime fiction! You won’t just read a story—you’ll feel the heartbeat of the Rosebud Reservation.