Richard Wagamese – författare

Fans of Richard Wagamese’s writing will be heartened by the news that the bestselling author left behind a manuscript he’d been working on until shortly before his death in 2017.

In One Drum, Wagamese wrote, “I am not a shaman. Nor am I an elder, a pipe carrier, or a celebrated traditionalist. I am merely one who has trudged the same path many of this human family has—the path of the seeker, called forward by a yearning I have not always understood.”

One Drum draws from the foundational teachings of Ojibway tradition, the Grandfather Teachings. Focusing specifically on the lessons of humility, respect, and courage, the volume contains simple ceremonies that anyone anywhere can do, alone or in a group, to foster harmony and connection. Wagamese believed that there is a shaman in each of us, that we are all teachers, and in the world of the spirit, there is no right way or wrong way.

Writing of neglect, abuse, and loss of identity, Wagamese recalled living on the street, going to jail, drinking too much, feeling rootless and afraid, and then the feeling of hope he gained from connecting with the spiritual ways of his people. He expressed the belief that ceremony has the power to unify and to heal for people of all backgrounds. “When that happens,” he wrote, “we truly become one song and one drum beating together in a common purpose—and we are on the path to being healed.”

One Drum welcomes listeners to unite in ceremony to heal themselves, and bring harmony to their lives and communities.

“The most profound truth in the universe is this: that we are all one drum and we need each other.” —Richard Wagamese, One Drum

Fans of Richard Wagamese’s writing will be heartened by the news that the bestselling author left behind a manuscript he’d been working on until shortly before his death in 2017. One Drum welcomes readers to unite in ceremony to heal themselves and bring harmony to their lives and communities.

In One Drum, Wagamese wrote, “I am not a shaman. Nor am I an elder, a pipe carrier, or a celebrated traditionalist. I am merely one who has trudged the same path many of this human family has—the path of the seeker, called forward by a yearning I have not always understood.”

One Drum draws from the foundational teachings of Ojibway tradition, the Grandfather Teachings. Focusing specifically on the lessons of humility, respect and courage, the volume contains simple ceremonies that anyone anywhere can do, alone or in a group, to foster harmony and connection. Wagamese believed that there is a shaman in each of us, and we are all teachers and in the world of the spirit there is no right way or wrong way.

Writing of neglect, abuse and loss of identity, Wagamese recalled living on the street, going to jail, drinking too much, feeling rootless and afraid, and then the feeling of hope he gained from connecting with the spiritual ways of his people. He expressed the belief that ceremony has the power to unify and to heal for people of all backgrounds. “When that happens,” he wrote, “we truly become one song and one drum beating together in a common purpose—and we are on the path to being healed.”

From the author of Indian Horse and Embers, here is a new curated collection of Richard Wagamese’s short writings.

Richard Wagamese, one of North America's most celebrated Indigenous authors and storytellers, was a writer of breathtaking honesty and inspiration. Always striving to be a better, stronger person, Wagamese shared his journey through writing, encouraging others to do the same.

Following the success of Embers, which has sold almost seventy thousand copies since its release in 2016, this new collection of Wagamese’s non-fiction works, with an introduction by editor Drew Hayden Taylor, brings together more of the prolific author’s short writings, many for the first time in print, and celebrates his ability to inspire. Drawing from Wagamese’s essays and columns, along with preserved social media and blog posts, this beautifully designed volume is a tribute to Wagamese’s literary legacy.

For the first time, a children’s book by renowned Ojibwe author Richard Wagamese! Book 1 in a new series, The Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection, with illustrations by the award-winning illustrator of Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior.The Animal People Choose a Leader is the first book in a new series that brings the unmistakable voice of beloved author Richard Wagamese to children. This tradition-steeped story meditates on the unifying power of wisdom, kindness and respect. Wagamese's original fable is paired with glorious illustrations by award-winning Anishinaabe artist Bridget George.In the "Long Ago Time" when animals of all kinds shared a common language, they gathered to choose a leader from amongst themselves. The candidates—swift Horse, strong Buffalo, wily Cougar, and stealthy Wolverine—were about to begin a race to determine the winner when they were joined by an unlikely contender: gentle, earnest Waabooz the rabbit.During four eventful laps around a foreboding mountaintop lake, the competitors come to realize the limits of self-reliance and physical force. Along the way, they discover the power of humility, empathy and loving attachment to the land. Wagamese’s powerful storytelling and George’s evocative artwork bring this poignant tale to life with the piercing clarity and lyrical richness of all great fables.

Share in a raven’s sense of wonder through this gorgeous picture book that brings Richard Wagamese’s wisdom to young audiences, with illustrations by the award-winning illustrator of Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior. Book 2 in The Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection!

“Rueben was an inquisitive raven. Of course, all ravens are inquisitive, but Rueben was a notch above even the most curious bird.” So begins a story by beloved Indigenous author Richard Wagamese, about a raven that has the whole forest talking. Some think he is nosy, but really, he is in a state of utter amazement at the world. He suggests new designs for the beavers’ dams, imitates the blue herons’ one-legged stance as they spear minnows, and squawks in glee at the sight of the bears emerging from hibernation. When he sees an eagle soaring high in the sky, he tries to soar just as high to earn the other animals’ respect. Ultimately, Rueben learns (the hard way) that respect is not something one earns, but something one carries. With the help of his grandfather's wisdom, Rueben discovers that wonder and curiosity, being part of a community, taking the time to investigate the things around you, celebrating knowledge and sharing it, are all worthy of respect.This original fable from the late Richard Wagamese—one of North America’s most beloved Indigenous writers—is a shining example of the power of storytelling. Beautifully illustrated with original work from Anishinaabe artist and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard winner Bridget George, The Inquisitive Raven is sure to be cherished by readers of all ages.

A collection of warm, wise, and inspiring stories from the author of the bestselling One Native Life

Since its publication in 2008, readers and reviewers have embraced Richard Wagamese’s One Native Life. “In quiet tones and luminous language,” wrote the Winnipeg Free Press, “Wagamese shares his hurts and joys, inviting readers to find the ways in which they are joined to him and to consider how they might be joined to others.”

In this book, Richard Wagamese again invites readers to accompany him on his travels. This time his focus is on stories: how they shape us, how they empower us, how they change our lives. Ancient and contemporary, cultural and spiritual, funny and sad, the tales are grouped according to the four essential principles Ojibway traditional teachers sought to impart: humility, trust, introspection, and wisdom.

Whether the topic is learning from his grade five teacher about Martin Luther King, gleaning understanding from a wolf track, lighting a fire for the first time without matches, or finding the universe in an eagle feather, these stories exhibit the warmth, wisdom, and generosity that made One Native Life so popular. As always, in these pages, the land serves as Wagamese’s guide. And as always, he finds that true home means not only community but conversation—good, straight-hearted talk about important things. We all need to tell our stories, he says. Every voice matters.

“Life sometimes is hard. There are challenges. There are difficulties. There is pain. As a younger man I sought to avoid them and only ever caused myself more of the same. These days I choose to face life head on—and I have become a comet. I arc across the sky of my life and the harder times are the friction that lets the worn and tired bits drop away. It’s a good way to travel; eventually I will wear away all resistance until all there is left of me is light. I can live towards that end.—Richard Wagamese, Embers

In this carefully curated selection of everyday reflections, Richard Wagamese finds lessons in both the mundane and sublime as he muses on the universe, drawing inspiration from working in the bush—sawing and cutting and stacking wood for winter as well as the smudge ceremony to bring him closer to the Creator. Embers is perhaps Richard Wagamese’s most personal volume to date. Honest, evocative, and articulate, he explores the various manifestations of grief, joy, recovery, beauty, gratitude, physicality, and spirituality—concepts many find hard to express. But for Wagamese, spirituality is multifaceted. Within these pages, listeners will find hard-won and concrete wisdom on how to feel the joy in the everyday things. Wagamese does not seek to be a teacher or guru, but these observations made along his own journey to become, as he says, “a spiritual bad-ass,” make inspiring reading.

One Native Life is a look back down the road Richard Wagamese has traveled—from childhood abuse to adult alcoholism—in reclaiming his identity. It’s about what he has learned as a human being, a man, and an Ojibway in his fifty-two years on Earth.

Whether he’s writing about playing baseball, running away with the circus, making bannock, or attending a sacred bundle ceremony, these are stories told in a healing spirit. Through them, Wagamese shows listeners how to appreciate life for the journey it is.

A new curated collection of Richard Wagamese’s short writings

Richard Wagamese, one of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous authors and storytellers, was a writer of breathtaking honesty and inspiration. Always striving to be a better, stronger person, Wagamese shared his journey through writing, encouraging others to do the same.

Following the success of Embers, which has sold over seventy thousand copies since its release in 2016, this new collection of Wagamese’s nonfiction works, curated by editor Drew Hayden Taylor, brings together more of the prolific author’s short writings—many for the first time in print—and celebrates his ability to inspire.

Drawing from Wagamese’s essays and columns, along with preserved social media and blog posts, this beautifully designed collection is a tribute to Wagamese’s literary legacy.