Picture a storyteller whose words weave poetry, politics, and song into a vibrant tapestry of Indigenous resurgence—meet Leanne Betasamosake Simpson! A Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer, and musician, Simpson is celebrated as one of the most compelling Indigenous voices of her generation. Her multidisciplinary work challenges colonial narratives, blending storytelling with activism to create a world of sovereign creativity that resonates deeply with readers and listeners alike.
From her roots in Ontario to her powerful contributions to literature and music, Simpson’s journey is a testament to reconnecting with her Nishnaabeg heritage and amplifying Indigenous perspectives. Whether through her award-nominated books or soulful albums, she invites us into a universe where land, story, and resistance intertwine.
The Making of Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Born in 1971 in Wingham, Ontario, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson grew up with a Nishnaabeg mother, Dianne, and a Scottish father, Barry. Raised off-reserve, she initially lacked strong cultural ties to her Alderville First Nation heritage. It wasn’t until her university years that Simpson began exploring her Indigenous roots, connecting with Northern Nishnaabeg elders to reclaim her language, culture, and spirituality. This journey shaped her as a writer and activist, fueling her commitment to Indigenous resurgence. With a PhD from the University of Manitoba, she became an independent scholar, teaching at institutions like the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning.
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson’s Unforgettable Stories
Simpson’s work defies genre, blending prose, poetry, and music to explore themes of colonialism, Indigenous identity, and environmental stewardship. Her novel Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies (2020) is a poetic masterpiece, weaving humor and resistance to challenge colonial narratives. It earned nominations for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Dublin Literary Prize. This Accident of Being Lost (2017), a collection of stories and songs, merges Nishnaabeg storytelling with urban life, earning accolades like the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize nomination.
Her non-fiction, such as As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance (2017), offers incisive commentary on decolonization, winning the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association’s Best Subsequent Book Award. Simpson’s music, including albums like Theory of Ice (2021), shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, transforms her poetry into folk-pop songs about water and land. Her style—rooted in Nishnaabeg storytelling and relationality to nature—creates a unique, immersive experience that feels both ancient and urgently modern.
Collaborations, like Rehearsals for Living (2022) with Robyn Maynard, showcase her versatility, using epistolary form to discuss Black and Indigenous futures. Each work reflects Simpson’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering Indigenous sovereignty through art.
Why Leanne Betasamosake Simpson Matters
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson’s impact lies in her ability to redefine Indigenous storytelling in the 21st century. Her work dismantles colonial frameworks, offering instead a vision of resurgence grounded in Nishnaabeg knowledge and land-based practices. As an activist, she’s been a key voice in movements like Idle No More, advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental justice. Her scholarship and art inspire a new generation of Indigenous writers and activists, proving that stories can be powerful tools for resistance and healing.
By centering Indigenous perspectives, Simpson challenges readers to rethink their relationship with land and community. Her legacy is one of courage, creativity, and unwavering commitment to her people’s freedom, making her a vital figure in contemporary literature and activism.
- Born: 1971, Wingham, Ontario
- Key Works: Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies, This Accident of Being Lost, As We Have Always Done, Theory of Ice
- Awards: RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Award (2014), Polaris Music Prize shortlist (2021)
Snag Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies or stream Theory of Ice to dive into Leanne Betasamosake Simpson’s mesmerizing world of Nishnaabeg storytelling!