Picture a Métis storyteller whose words dance like the jigs of her ancestors—meet Michelle Porter! A bestselling author and academic, Porter weaves tales of family, identity, and land, drawing from her rich Métis heritage. Her debut novel, A Grandmother Begins the Story, has captivated readers with its multigenerational saga, earning accolades like the 2024 Thomas Head Raddall Award.
Born in Manitoba’s Red River region, Porter carries the legacy of Métis storytellers who used music to share their truths. Today, as a professor in St. John’s, Newfoundland, she bridges past and present, crafting narratives that resonate with heart and history.
The Making of Michelle Porter
Growing up in the Métis prairie homeland, Porter was steeped in stories of resilience and connection to the land. Her academic journey—degrees in journalism, folklore, English, and a PhD in geography—shaped her unique lens on home and mobility. As a young writer, she honed her craft through poetry and journalism, earning awards like the 2005 Atlantic Journalism Award for feature writing. Her Métis roots, discovered in her teens, became a driving force, inspiring her to explore her heritage through words.
Porter’s early career as a journalist and editor for The Independent gave her a sharp eye for detail, while her poetic voice emerged in works like Inquiries. This blend of precision and lyricism set the stage for her literary rise.
Michelle Porter’s Unforgettable Stories
Porter’s works are a tapestry of Métis culture, blending history, poetry, and improvisation. Her debut novel, A Grandmother Begins the Story (2023), is a vibrant saga of five generations of Métis women, their voices interwoven with the land and bison. Critics praise its ‘crooked’ structure—each character gets their crescendo, mirroring traditional Métis music.
In Approaching Fire (2020), Porter traces her great-grandfather, Métis fiddler Léon Robert Goulet, using poetry, musicology, and photographs. This creative nonfiction work, shortlisted for the 2021 Indigenous Voices Award, explores loss and renewal. Scratching River (2022), a memoir, delves into her brother’s life, weaving Métis history with themes of survival and hope. Her poetry collection, Inquiries (2019), shortlisted for the Pat Lowther Memorial Award, showcases her lyrical take on identity and memory.
Porter’s style is improvisational, much like Métis fiddling—each story shifts and surprises, grounded in emotional truth. Her themes of intergenerational trauma, Métis pride, and land connection resonate deeply, making her a vital voice in Indigenous literature.
Why Michelle Porter Matters
Porter’s work amplifies Métis voices, often erased in mainstream narratives. By blending genres and drawing from oral traditions, she creates space for healing and pride in Métis identity. Her teaching at Memorial University, where she shares Métis literature, inspires a new generation to embrace their stories.
As a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, Porter’s advocacy and storytelling bridge communities, fostering understanding. Her awards, including the 2019 ArtsNL Lawrence Jackson Writers’ Award, reflect her growing influence in Canadian literature.
- Born: Manitoba, Canada
- Key Works: A Grandmother Begins the Story, Approaching Fire, Scratching River, Inquiries
- Awards: 2024 Thomas Head Raddall Award, 2019 ArtsNL Lawrence Jackson Writers’ Award
Snag A Grandmother Begins the Story and dive into Michelle Porter’s lyrical world of Métis heritage!