We are excited to host Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg writer and artist Leanne Betasamosake Simpson next month as part of the Department of American Indian Studies’ (DAIS) Special Speaker Series. Hear Leanne speak about her newest book, Theory of Water (2025), and get your signed copy on Tuesday, May 12 at 2:30 at the James West Alumni Center – Founder’s Room.
About the Author:
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is a renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg musician, writer and academic. She is the author of eight books, including As We Have Always Done (winner of the NAISA subsequent book prize) and the novel Noopiming which was short listed for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Dublin Literary Prize. Her collaboration with Robyn Maynard, Rehearsals for Living is a National Best Seller and was short listed for the Governor General’s Literary Award for non-fiction. Leanne’s new work, Theory of Water is a national best seller and won the Writer’s Trust Hilary Weston prize for non-fiction. Leanne has lectured and taught extensively at universities across Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Europe and has over twenty years experience with Indigenous land based education. Leanne is also a musician. Her latest release Live Like the Sky is out now from You’ve Changed Records. Theory of Ice (2021) was named to the Polaris Prize short list, and she was the 2021 winner of the Prism Prize’s Willie Dunn Award, presented to a Canadian trailblazer who has demonstrated excellence within the music video production community. Leanne holds a PhD from the University of Manitoba and is a member of Alderville First Nation.



