“In a clear and engaging voice, McIlwraith provides an intriguing view of a woman and a writer navigating the pathways between the European literary tradition and the oral tradition of the First Nations and Métis, negotiating these two vastly different linguistic worlds.”

“McIlwraith’s emotionally honest verse doesn’t feel as though she’s playing at being Indian. Instead, she’s giving fresh vital voice to an ancient tongue, telling her family’s unique multicultural story as authentically as possible. Just as importantly, she’s starting a fresh vital conversation about the painful, complicated history we share.”

“[McIlwraith] detours around historical attitudes, attempting to write in both [English and Cree], in a pilgrimage of transcribing and transliteration, circumventing the many obstacles of self and society in order to do so.”