Welcome to Northern Reads’ Authors Series!

Northern Reads' 2023 Authors Series featuring Jessica Outram, Patty Krawec, David Robertson and Aimee Craft.

Northern Reads is an annual event hosted by True North Aid in February.

In addition to supporting Indigenous literacy programs in remote communities, this year we have expanded our effort to celebrate the work of Indigenous authors in conversation.

On Tuesday evenings at 7pm throughout February, join us for a virtual ‘meet & greet’ via Zoom with your favourite warm cuppa and enjoy one hour of author readings, inspiration, stories and a time of Q&A.

This is a free event. Registration is required. 

Register your attendance at the Authors Series: Northern Reads Authors Series 2023

However, in the spirit of this event, please consider supporting one of our goals:

  • Help us purchase new, Indigenous authored and illustrated books for three recipient communities.
  • Host a previously-loved-book sale.
  • Donate to shipping purchased books.

Find our more by visiting: www.truenorthaid.ca/northern-reads-2023

Learn more about each author below!

  • Jessica Outram

    Jessica Outraon, Metis, Educator, poet laureate Cobourg Ontario, Northern Reads Authors Series 2023

    Jessica Outram is a Métis author, poet, playwright, artist, singer, teacher and co-host of The Hummingbird Podcast.

    She is the author of The Thing with Feathers (poetry collection) and Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold (children’s novel). 

    An educator for nearly 25 years, Jessica is Principal of Indigenous Education for a school board in Ontario, supporting K-12 curriculum and individual Indigenous students in over 100 schools. 

    Jessica is actively engaged in her community, participating in theatres, choirs, galleries, and writing circles. She is the 4th Poet Laureate of Cobourg, Ontario. 

    Teaching virtual classes and creativity coaching are passion projects for Jessica.

    Find Jessica on socials:

    Website | www.sunshineinajar.com

    Twitter | Instagram @jessicaoutram 

  • Patty Krawec

    Patty Krawec, Anishinaabe Ukrainian writer, social justice advocate. Northern Reads Authors Series 2023Patty Krawec is an Anishnaabe Ukrainian writer from Lac Seul First Nation, the co-host of the podcast Medicine for the Resistance, and a member of Chippawa Presbyterian Church.

    Becoming Kin is her first book. You can find more of her writing at Aambe on Substack.

    Patty’s work has been published in Sojourners and Canadian Living. She is active with the Fort Erie Native Friendship Center and the Strong Water Singers.

    Patty has been featured in many interviews recently, most notably with CBC Tapestry’s Mary Hynes.

    Patty is cofounder of the Nii’kinaaganaa Foundation, which collects funds and disperses them to Indigenous people and organizations.

    Find Patty on socials:

    Website | daanis.ca

    Twitter | @gindaanis

  • David Robertson

    Cree author David Robertson, Northern Reads Authors Series 2023David Robertson (he, him, his) was the 2021 recipient of the Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award as well as the Globe and Mail Children’s Storyteller of the Year.

    He is the author of numerous books for young readers including When We Were Alone, The Barren Grounds, and On The Trapline.

    His first adult fiction novel, The Theory of Crows, was published in 2022 and is a national bestseller.

    His memoir, Black Water: Family, Legacy, and Blood Memory, is structured around his journey to connect with his heritage, the land, and his father. 

    Dave is the writer and host of the podcast Kíwew (Key-Way-Oh), winner of the 2021 RTDNA Prairie Region Award for Best Podcast

    He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and currently lives in Winnipeg.

    Find David on socials:

    Website | www.darobertson.ca

    Twitter | @DaveAlexRoberts

    Instagram | @davidrobertsonwriter

  • Aimée Craft

    Aimee Craft, author, lawyer, water protector, Northern Reads Authors Series 2023Aimée Craft is an award-winning teacher and researcher, recognized internationally as a leader in the area of Indigenous laws, treaties and water. She holds a University Research Chair Nibi miinawaa aki inaakonigewin: Indigenous governance in relationship with land and water.

    An Associate Professor at the Faculty of Common law, University of Ottawa and an Indigenous (Anishinaabe-Métis) lawyer from Treaty 1 territory in Manitoba, she is the former Director of Research at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the founding Director of Research at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

    She practiced at the Public Interest Law Centre for over a decade and in 2016 she was voted one of the top 25 most influential lawyers in Canada. In 2021 she was awarded the prestigious Canadian Bar Association President’s Award.

    Prof. Craft prioritizes Indigenous-lead and interdisciplinary research, including through visual arts and film, co-leads a series of major research grants on Decolonizing Water Governance and works with many Indigenous nations and communities on Indigenous relationships with and responsibilities to nibi (water).

    She plays an active role in international collaborations relating to transformative memory in
    colonial contexts and relating to the reclamation of Indigenous birthing practices as expressions of
    territorial sovereignty.

    Breathing Life Into the Stone Fort Treaty, her award-winning book, focuses on understanding and
    interpreting treaties from an Anishinaabe inaakonigewin (legal) perspective.

    Treaty Words, her critically acclaimed children’s book, explains treaty philosophy and relationships.

    She is past chair of the Aboriginal Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association and a current member of
    the Speaker’s Bureau of the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba

    Find Aimée on socials:

    Website | aimeecraft.ca

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