Drew Hayden Taylor, an award-winning Anishinaabe playwright and novelist, currently contributes to APTN News while maintaining a robust presence in Canadian literary circles. Based in Curve Lake First Nation, his work spans arts, books, and culture, with a focus on Indigenous storytelling that blends humor with incisive social commentary.
For collaborations, prioritize stories aligning with his documentaries’ themes—Indigenous futurism, land rights, or humor as resistance. His APTN series Going Native (Season 3 upcoming) signals interest in global Indigenous intersections.
Taylor’s journey began in radio and television broadcasting, but his pivot to playwriting in the late 1980s marked his emergence as a cultural commentator. Over three decades, he’s authored 34 books, including Governor General’s Award-nominated novels like Motorcycles & Sweetgrass, and scripts for iconic Canadian TV series such as North of 60. His documentaries, including Searching for Winnetou and The Pretendians, explore Indigenous identity with a blend of wit and rigor. As the 2025 Writer-in-Residence at McGill University, he continues mentoring emerging Indigenous voices, reinforcing his role as a bridge-builder between communities.
This analysis of Taylor’s novel Cold highlights his mastery of blending traditional Anishinaabe folklore with contemporary thriller elements. The article explores how Taylor reimagines the Wendigo myth within a modern murder-mystery framework, using it to critique environmental exploitation and cultural appropriation. By interviewing Taylor, the piece underscores his belief that humor serves as “the WD-40 of healing” for Indigenous communities, a theme recurring in his work. The novel’s upcoming sequel, pitched as an “Indigenous X-Files,” exemplifies Taylor’s innovative approach to decolonizing genre fiction.
This profile delves into Taylor’s influence on Canada’s “contemporary Native Literary Renaissance,” tracing his evolution from a reluctant writer to a literary institution. The article emphasizes his mentorship philosophy, particularly his focus on expanding Indigenous narratives beyond trauma to explore speculative futures. It contextualizes his residency within McGill’s reconciliation efforts, showcasing how Taylor’s workshops empower students to interrogate colonial frameworks through storytelling. His quote, “Our writers are as clever as mainstream writers,” encapsulates his advocacy for Indigenous creative autonomy.
Focusing on Taylor’s play Cottagers and Indians, this piece examines his use of “reverse stereotyping” to critique settler-Indigenous tensions over land rights. The analysis highlights how Taylor juxtaposes the perspectives of a cottager and a rice harvester, using satire to expose systemic inequities. The article also notes his preference for breaking the fourth wall, a technique that invites audiences to confront their complicity in cultural conflicts. By situating the play within his broader oeuvre, the piece positions Taylor as a pioneer of Indigenous theatrical realism.
Taylor’s work consistently avoids victim narratives, instead highlighting Indigenous innovation and resilience. Pitches should mirror this approach—for example, his APTN documentary Going Native celebrates global Indigenous practices rather than focusing solely on oppression. A successful pitch might explore Māori land reclamation strategies in New Zealand, mirroring his interest in comparative Indigenous experiences.
His anthology Me Funny demonstrates how humor disarms audiences while addressing colonialism’s legacy. PR professionals should propose stories that use satire or irony to tackle serious issues, such as a piece on Indigenous comedians reshaping public discourse. Avoid overly solemn angles; Taylor’s style thrives on levity as a subversive tool.
Taylor’s mentorship roles at universities reveal his investment in nurturing emerging voices. Pitches could highlight initiatives like youth-led language revitalization programs or tech startups blending traditional knowledge with AI. His McGill residency shows particular interest in projects bridging academic research and community impact.
With Cold venturing into speculative fiction, Taylor seeks stories reimagining Indigenous futures. Consider pitching profiles of Indigenous VR artists or analyses of Night Raiders-style dystopian narratives. Steer clear of historical pieces unless they directly inform contemporary issues.
His documentary Cottagers and Indians underscores Indigenous leadership in conservation. Effective pitches might examine First Nations-led carbon offset programs or legal battles over water rights. Ensure sources include Indigenous experts, reflecting Taylor’s commitment to community-centered storytelling.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Arts, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
