Drew Hayden Taylor
@TheDHTaylor
I cook some, do laundry, and when possible, a little writing. I repeat when necessary. Currently reside in the Chinatown section of Curve Lake First Nation.
Paraphrasing That poem with the line “the world will end not with a bang but with a whisper” … I get it. After spending an hour on my email, just keeping up to date, I’m pretty sure it’s the minutia of living, of just trying to keep track, that’s going to do me under.
Being at an authors festival is kind of like working on a porn film. We do what we do in public, for other people to enjoy, and we get paid for it. Meanwhile, most others do what they do in privacy, hoping nobody will see but secretly wanting to be part of the show.
Last chance to see my play, SIR JOHN A: Acts of a Gentrified Ojibway Rebellion. It closes a week today in Blythe. Think of it as an Indigenous/political/historical/contemporary Rocky Horror Picture Show. With less drag.
Was watching a local Rez band last night and the lead singer was wearing a black, flat rimmed hat. A Billy Jack hat, minus the beaded trim. I commented on that and one cousin, in his late 30's looked at me, saying "Billy Jack? Who's he?" Sigh...
Okay, this is bizarre. The published version of my play, COTTAGERS & INDIANS, for some unknown reason, originally published in 2019, has popped up on the Toronto Star's Bestsellers list. For the first time. I am absolutely delighted... though a little puzzled.
Over the years I’ve bought and sold a number of houses, cars too. But I distinctly remember the little obscure things I’d buy that made me, as an adult, for some weird reason, feel like a grown up. My first umbrella. My first ironing board. A corner table. Why? I don’t know.
As I get older, I'm discovering the world (meaning me) needs more naps and less stairs. And I don't think it matters if you're Indigenous or a settler. It's one of the grate unifying forces in the universe.
Lately I've been thinking...why do I write? It's not fun, most times its stressful and draining. Is it important... I know too many people who say they haven't read a book since high school. So I guess not. Maybe because I like to think writers add something original to the world
Today in 1899, Chief Dan George [Tes-wah-no], Canadian Indigenous author, poet and actor was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. I never met him but he seemed like such a cool and wise man.
‘Who gets to shape the stories we tell about Canada?’ Powerful messages told through comedy by @TheDHTaylor in ‘Sir John A: Acts of a Gentrified Ojibway Rebellion’ at the #blythfestival theatre - only two shows left to see what every Canadian should
Trapped in airport. Delayed flight. Food overpriced. Bored. Want to go home. But hungry cats await. It could get ugly.
Closing ceremonies for the Canoe Journey’s stop in Comox, BC. Much dancing, drumming and singing. Beats the hell out of our community centre in Curve Lake.

Here in Comox, BC for the Canoe Journey 2025. An honour to be on the beach watching… though few things can really beat a birchbark canoe. But I may be somewhat biased…


OMG! At the landing of Canoes in Comox, BC, and they’re handing these out. A Mr Freeze! I haven’t had one in Literally almost 50 years. Well before I became diabetic. But, it seems it the traditional food of Kwakwaka’wakw canoeists and fans. Who am I to argue!?

It’s National Junk food Day. Does Candied Salmon count as indigenous junk food? What about maple syrup poured on snow?
Just had dinner at a Chinese buffet, and I reason that maybe 10% of the food actually has Chinese origins, much like indigenous food at the pow wow. How many true indigenous ingredients are in bannock, Indian tacos, and buffalo burgers actually?
Today in 1869, Louis Riel speaks at a meeting of Metis residents about rights, setting in motion the events now referred to as the Red River Rebellion. Unfortunately, the Metis of Ontario, Quebec and other provinces did not get the memo to attend.
I guess real estate sales are really limited on Denman Island.

Me at the Denman Island Authors Festival. I couldn’t help wondering what font that was…

At this BC authors festival I was asked where I came from. “Center of the universe” I said. “Oh” came the response with rolling eyes, “Toronto.” I had meant Curve Lake. It seems a lot of people here think Toronto is the center of the universe. Who knew?