Indigenous Voices at the Vancouver Writers Fest 2025

by Rebecca Bollwitt Monday, September 29th, 2025 — 10:36am PDT

Meet some of today’s most acclaimed Indigenous authors and influential voices at this year’s Vancouver Writers Fest, happening October 20-26, 2025 on Granville Island.

Indigenous Voices at Vancouver Writers Fest 2025 — Stephanie Sinclair, David A. Robertson, Kyle Edwards and Niigaan Sinclair

Indigenous Voices at the Vancouver Writers Fest

Reconciliation and You

Tuesday, October 22 at 7:30pm
Performance Works on Granville Island
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An accessible event filled with actionable ideas, for everyone who wants to take up our collective responsibility to build a healthier, more equitable country. David A. Robertson shares 52 Ways to Reconcile: one achievable and meaningful act of reconciliation every week, from hosting a movie night to being a mentor. Internationally-renowned as an expert in Aboriginal law, Bruce McIvor offers straightforward answers to fundamental questions about Indigenous rights in Indigenous Rights in One Minute. Moderated by Michelle Cyca.

Indigenous Voices: A Steady Brightness of Being

Friday, October 24 at 10:00am
Granville Island Stage
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This groundbreaking new anthology collects letters from Indigenous writers, activists, and thinkers. Stephanie Sinclair, co-editor of A Steady Brightness of Being, joins us on-stage with award-winning contributors from across Turtle Island, David A. Robertson, Kyle Edwards, and Niigaan Sinclair.

Reconciling

Sunday, October 26 at 10:30am
The NEST, Granville Island
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The son of a Musqueam cultural leader and an immigrant from China, Larry Grant tells the story of his extraordinary life and heritage in Reconciling: A Lifelong Struggle to Belong. Unfolding through a series of conversations between himself and writer Scott Steedman, his memoir shares his perspective on reconciling as an ongoing, unfinished process we’re all going through. Mirroring the book’s format, Scott will interview Larry on-stage.

Youth Events

You Were Made For This World

Wednesday, October 22 at 1:00pm
Granville Island Stage
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A joyous and inspiring anthology of letters and art. Stephanie Sinclair, co-editor of You Were Made for This World, is joined on-stage by esteemed contributors David A. Robertson and katherena vermette. Best for grades 4–7.

The Misewa Series Finale: David A. Robertson in Conversation

Thursday, October 23 at 1:00pm
Performance Works, Granville Island
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The finale of The Misewa Saga, David A. Robertson’s adventurous, award-winning, middle grade fantasy series set in a world inspired by Narnia and Indigenous culture. Always a popular and engaging speaker, Robertson will talk about this latest and last book in the six-part series, and share stories and inspiration. Moderated by Tanya Boteju. Best for grades 4–7.

It’s been ten years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its 94 Calls to Action outlining a path towards healing from the legacy of colonization in Canada, and there is still a great distance to walk on the path of reconciliation with only 15 Calls to Action complete as of this month.

Vancouver Writers Fest 2025

The 38th annual Vancouver Writers Festival hosts a week of exceptional books, ideas, and dialogue with over 130 local and international authors at 87 events this Festival season. Two post-festival Special Events include one with Chris Hadfield on November 15th and Margaret Atwood on December 9th. Follow the fest on Instagram for updates, and view the full schedule.

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