The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is so excited to offer congratulations to Louise Bernice Halfe – Sky Dancer for her appointment as Canada’s Parliamentary Poet Laureate.

Halfe’s first published poetry appeared in Writing the Circle: Women of Western Canada. She has since published four collections. Her latest work awâsis – Kinky and Disheveled will be released in the spring of 2021. She is widely recognized for weaving Cree language and teachings into her works. In 2005, she served as Saskatchewan’s second Poet Laureate.

During the two-year appointment, Halfe will write poetry, especially for use in Parliament on important occasions, sponsor poetry readings, and advise the Parliamentary Librarian regarding the Library’s collection and acquisitions to enrich its cultural materials.

The OTC celebrate the work of Indigenous women and know voices of Indigenous artists are key to shaping Canadian culture. Halfe’s appointment is incredibly important on both fronts. We know we will continue to see more great things from her.