For all readers, both The Marrow Thieves and Hunting by Stars are works of fiction. They reflect people and places I know, love, and respect, and echo a very real and very dark time in our collective history. But they are still fiction from one imagination rooted in the specific community I am from and fostered by the many teachers and mentors I’ve had along the way. Please reach out to teachers, read other books, and find resources to learn more about individual nations and histories, including the residential school system and Indian boarding school era in both Canada and the United States.

Shortly after The Marrow Thieves was published in 2017, it became clear that this story had found a home with readers. And I am so grateful to be allowed to tell this story. I’ve spent the last years since the first publication visiting, listening, and learning. I hope you see yourself—both your difficult anxieties and your remarkable dreams—in these pages.

Acknowledgments

I am so grateful for the careful eyes and open hearts of Melody McKiver (Anishinaabe, Lac Seul First Nation, Frenchman’s Head, Treaty #3), Erin Konsmo (Michif, Métis Nation of Alberta), and Waubgeshig Rice (Anishinaabe, Wasauksing First Nation) who read drafts of the manuscript, taking on the huge task of guiding my steps when the story asked that I veer from my own community and identity. I respect and value their opinions and views as friends, family, and brilliant minds. Author and advocate Wab Kinew (Anishinaabe, Onigaming First Nation) worked on the Anishinaabemowin in the text with great care and specificity, ensuring speakers and community members would see themselves reflected in those passages. The talented and inspirational Stephen Gladue (Métis, Cree) took on the delicate and work-intensive job of creating art for the book, inside and out, and I am honored to have his gorgeous imagery alongside my words. I am so privileged to have such incredible people in my life on a daily basis, and especially when I need someone to throw me a lifeline when I’m writing! We cannot do any work that is for community without community, and I am so lucky to call this small group of geniuses my community for this book.

There are so many writers and artists whose work inspires me; here are a few: Eden Robinson, Janet Rogers, Smokii Sumac, Lee Maracle, Maria Campbell, Christi Belcourt, Ryan McMahon, Gregory Scofield, David A. Robertson, Marilyn Dumont, Terese Mailhot, Alicia Elliot (and Miles!), and Devery Jacobs. Thank you for continuing to share community with me and for reminding me I was not alone even when it really felt like it. (This section can also serve as a “Who to read/watch/experience” for those interested in the very best in Indigenous arts.)

To the Penetanguishene Halfbreed Community, now called the Historic Georgian Bay Métis Nation—especially my family: the Dusomes, Greniers, Trudeaus, Beausoleils, Secords, and so many others (it’s a huge family), my undying gratitude and love. Let’s have a kitchen party soon.

To my brilliant editors, Lynne Missen and Maggie Lehrman, thanks for always listening and for the countless hours you invested in this story and these characters. I appreciate all the effort and belief you placed in this project, and for not letting me slack off, especially during a pandemic.