One Native Life

Born in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, Richard Wagamese (1955-2017) is one of Canada’s foremost Indigenous authors and storytellers. Of Ojibway ancestry, he belonged to the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations community but was forcibly taken from his family at age five during the Sixties Scoop, a period in which many Indigenous children were removed from their homes and placed into the foster system or adopted by non-Indigenous families. This dislocation from culture, language, and identity became a central theme in his writing, recounting his journey of reconnection with his Indigenous heritage.

Wagamese was a journalist who also authored novels, including Indian Horse, Medicine Walk, and Ragged Company. His significance extends beyond his literary contributions to his role as a vital voice in the discourse of Canada’s colonial history and its impacts on Indigenous peoples. His works provide a bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, providing insight into the experiences of those affected by historical policies such as the Sixties Scoop and residential schools. His memoir, One Native Life, not only recounts his personal journey but also reflects on the collective experiences of Indigenous peoples throughout Canada, offering a