Richard Wagamese was born on October 14, 1955, in Wabasseemoong First Nation, located in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Wagamese is recognized as one of Canada's most prominent Native authors and storytellers, having worked as a professional writer since 1979. His writing career spanned various mediums, including newspaper, radio, television, and literature.
Throughout his career, Wagamese held various roles in journalism and broadcasting. As a newspaper columnist and reporter, he contributed to several publications, most notably the Calgary Herald. In 1991, he made history by becoming the first Native Canadian to win a National Newspaper Award for Column Writing. His exceptional storytelling abilities were also showcased in radio and television, where he worked as a broadcaster and producer. Moreover, he produced documentaries, further demonstrating his versatility as a communicator and storyteller.
In addition to his work in journalism and broadcasting, Wagamese was a prolific author, with twelve titles published by major Canadian publishers. His writing encompassed a wide range of subjects and themes, reflecting his experiences and heritage as an Ojibwe man. Through his stories, he shared Indigenous wisdom, personal growth, and the power of healing. Wagamese's work has left a lasting impact on Canadian literature and will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.