Picture a Canadian storyteller whose words weave the threads of identity, heritage, and resilience—meet Lisa Bird-Wilson! A Métis and Cree writer from Saskatchewan, she’s captivated readers with her poignant novels, short stories, and poetry, drawing from her experience as a Sixties Scoop survivor. Her work, infused with heart and authenticity, shines a light on Indigenous experiences, making her a vital voice in Canadian literature.
Bird-Wilson’s journey is as compelling as her stories. From her leadership at the Gabriel Dumont Institute to her award-winning books, she’s a storyteller who doesn’t just write—she reclaims and rebuilds narratives that resonate far beyond the page.
The Making of Lisa Bird-Wilson
Born in Saskatchewan, Lisa Bird-Wilson’s early life was shaped by the Sixties Scoop, a period when Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and adopted into non-Indigenous homes. This disconnection from her Cree and Métis heritage became a cornerstone of her writing, fueling her exploration of identity and belonging. After years of navigating her own story, she channeled her experiences into literature, emerging as a powerful advocate for Métis culture and education.
Her career began with contributions to literary magazines like Grain and Prairie Fire, but it was her leadership at the Gabriel Dumont Institute, where she became CEO in 2021, that amplified her commitment to Métis education and cultural preservation. Writing became her way to bridge personal and collective histories, blending raw emotion with sharp storytelling.
Lisa Bird-Wilson’s Unforgettable Stories
Bird-Wilson’s debut short story collection, Just Pretending (2013), set the stage for her literary rise. The book, a finalist for the Danuta Gleed Literary Award and winner of four Saskatchewan Book Awards, including 2014 Book of the Year, explores pivotal life moments—motherhood, loss, and cultural disconnection—with a stripped-down simplicity that critics like Amy Mitchell called “beautifully alive.” It was selected as Saskatchewan’s 2019 One Book, One Province, cementing its cultural impact.
Her poetry collection, The Red Files (2016), dives into the legacy of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, using family and archival sources to craft verses that are both tender and defiant. Lines like “I can hold in the palm of my right hand / all that I have left” capture a fierce hope amid trauma. Her debut novel, Probably Ruby (2021), is a kaleidoscopic tale of a Métis woman searching for her roots after being adopted by a white family. Shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award and winner of two Saskatchewan Book Awards, it’s been praised by The New York Times for Ruby’s “big heart and outrageous sense of humor.”
Bird-Wilson’s style is intimate yet unflinching, blending humor, heartache, and cultural commentary. Her stories don’t shy away from Canada’s colonial scars but celebrate the resilience of Indigenous kinship, making her work both personal and universal.
Why Lisa Bird-Wilson Matters
Lisa Bird-Wilson is more than a writer—she’s a cultural force. Her work amplifies Métis and Cree voices, challenging Canada’s literary landscape to embrace Indigenous narratives. By tackling themes like the Sixties Scoop and residential schools, she fosters understanding and reconciliation, while her leadership at the Gabriel Dumont Institute empowers Métis communities through education and cultural revitalization. Her stories resonate with readers seeking authentic, heartfelt tales of identity and belonging.
As a founding member of the Ânskohk Indigenous Literature Festival, Bird-Wilson nurtures new Indigenous voices, ensuring the next generation of storytellers thrives. Her impact lies in her ability to transform pain into stories that heal, connect, and inspire.
- Born: Saskatchewan, Canada
- Key Works: Just Pretending (2013), The Red Files (2016), Probably Ruby (2021)
- Awards: Multiple Saskatchewan Book Awards, Governor General’s Literary Award finalist
- Role: CEO, Gabriel Dumont Institute
Snag Probably Ruby or Just Pretending and dive into Lisa Bird-Wilson’s soulful storytelling! Her words will leave you laughing, reflecting, and hungry for more.