Author shed light on Indigenous life in rural Canada

Douglas & McIntyre, McLeod's publisher, confirmed his death to the Star on Friday.

- JOSHUA CHONG

Darrel J. McLeod's debut memoir, "Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age," won the Governor General's Literary Award for Nonfiction in 2018. McLeod died Thursday at the age of 67.

The publishing house did not provide a cause of death, but said McLeod died "after a very sudden illness." McLeod's nephew, Joey Schroeder, also shared news of his uncle's death in a Facebook post on Thursday.

In his pair of celebrated memoirs, McLeod painted a vivid portrait of his life, beginning with his childhood on Treaty 8 territory in northern Alberta and continuing through to his career as an educator, land claims negotiator and author.

Direct and forthright, he shared stories of hope, optimism and unyielding perseverance, offering a glimpse into life as an Indigenous person growing up in rural Canada.