By Marina Kydd

Curve Lake First Nation is at the heart of a new book by national bestselling author Lynda Taneda Dickinson, who has built her career on telling stories that confront difficult truths while celebrating resilience. Her latest work, “This Is My Story”: Narratives of Talent and Triumph from Curve Lake First Nation, brings together 22 voices from the community in what Dickinson describes as both a privilege and a calling.

“This book is a celebration of identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling,” Dickinson says. “These voices deserve to be heard not just within our Nation, but across North America and beyond.”

The book traces individual journeys through hardship, cultural revival, and personal triumph. Among those highlighted are the late Elsie Knott, Canada’s first elected female First Nations chief; respected community members such as Rita Rose, Randall James Knott, and David Beaucage Johnson; artists like Sarah Lewis; and residential school survivor Freddy, whose story of resilience is deeply moving. Families and community institutions are represented as well, including the Whetung Ojibwa Centre through Rachel and Sarena Whetung.

Dickinson’s journey toward the book stretches back decades. Early in her career, she published her first book, Victims of Vanity: Animal Testing of Cosmetics and Household Products and How to Stop It, with Gordon Montador of Summerhill Press in Toronto. The book became a national bestseller and went into a second printing of 25,000 copies each. Montador encouraged her to explore Indigenous storytelling, noting his own connection to Curve Lake.

Years later, while driving through Scugog, Dickinson made a quick stop at a casino in the area to use the washroom. There, she met David, an Indigenous man from Curve Lake, who graciously explained powwows and their significance. The encounter reminded her of Montador’s suggestion to explore Curve Lake, sparking her curiosity to learn more about the community and its stories.

With guidance from her niece Sabrina, Dickinson turned to Instagram to connect with the Curve Lake community. During her search, she came across Robyn Ivey Pearson, who runs Indigenously Infused, a candle-making business. Through Robyn, she was introduced to key community members, including her grandmother Rita Rose, a language keeper, as well as other influential figures such as Randy Knott and the late Norman Knott. These introductions allowed Dickinson to gather stories of artistry, leadership, and cultural preservation.

Freddy shared the trauma of his 10 years in the residential school system and the abuse he endured. Dickinson emphasizes his resilience and the generosity of the Curve Lake community, noting the humility and talent of the individuals she met.

“The people are the most humble and genuine,” she says. “They opened their homes and hearts to me, and their stories needed to be shared.”

As much as the book documents hardship, it is equally about joy and endurance. From artists reclaiming traditions to leaders blazing new trails, the pages reflect a living community. “This is not a history book,” Dickinson emphasizes. “These are legacies that continue to shape the present and future of Curve Lake.”

“This Is My Story”: Narratives of Talent and Triumph from Curve Lake First Nation is now in print, carrying the voices of 22 Curve Lake community members to readers across the country.