Wanda

Cree Writer · Poet · Storyteller

Wanda
John‑Kehewin

Wanda writes to process history and trauma, and to stand in her truth — in poetry, graphic novels, young adult fiction, and picture books for the next generation.

Miya Wears Orange — book cover
Latest release · Miya Wears Orange · HighWater Press, 2025
Recognition
Winner — Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize, 2024 Shortlisted — Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, 2024 Selected — USBBY Outstanding International Books List, 2024 Winner — World Poetry Foundation Empowered Poet Award
Miya Wears Orange cover
New Release · 2025

Miya Wears Orange

Miya loves storytime — until her teacher shares the story of a little girl taken from her family to a residential school, just for being Indigenous, just like Miya. A gentle, honest picture book about a child's fear, her mother's reassurance, and the healing conversations families are still having today. Illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina.


In Wanda's Words

To All the Residential School Survivors

Dedicated to Mechelle Pierre

To all the children of residential schools… I hope your life is filled with love from here on earth and from above. I hope you can overcome your fears through family, friends and many healing tears. I hope you can find your way back home where you feel most safe, anywhere you choose just as long as you can be yourself to laugh without shame and let go of pain. I hope you know just how strong you are, just how resilient, just how beautiful, just how amazing you are to pull forth your wings to fly again — a teacher, a survivor, a lover of life, and the keeper of stories of awful days gone by.

Praise for the Work
Her work is brave, brilliant, and relentless.Garry Gottfriedson
A smart, sharp observer and an articulate craftswoman. Her poetry shines.Joanne Arnott
This story will wring out your heart, then hang it to dry in a sliver of sun.Tanya Lloyd Kyi, author of Me and Banksy

Bring Wanda to your classroom or event

Readings, keynotes, and personalized creative writing workshops for learners of every age.

See the workshops
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