Michael Hutchinson is a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation. In his youth, he pulled nets, fought forest fires, bartended, catered rock concerts, and worked as a print reporter. Eventually, he moved from journalism to communications after being head-hunted by the Indian Claims Commission. Since then, he has worked at the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and the Assembly of First Nations. His forays back to journalism include hosting APTN National News, while also producing two news-related shows, and, recently, appearing as a co-host on CTV Morning Live Winnipeg. He is currently the Communications Manager at MFNERC.org.
Ellie Arscott grew up in a small Ontario town where three generations of “Nonnas” before her also called it home. Ellie graduated from Sheridan College in Interpretive Illustration. Her illustration debut Night Walk was awarded a SCBWI Canada East Crystal Kite. Ellie lives in Toronto’s east end with her family.
Gianna Patriarca is an award-winning author of 11 books, poetry and short fiction. Her first book, Italian Women and Other Tragedies, is in its 4th printing and was runner-up for the Milton Acorn People’s Poetry Award. Her work is extensively anthologized and adapted for screen. Gianna lives in Toronto.
Susan G. Cole is a writer, editor and activist. She is the author of two books on violence against women, Pornography and the Sex Crisis and Power Surge: Sex, Violence and Pornography (both Second Story Press) and is the editor of Outspoken, scenes and monologues from Canadian lesbian plays (Playwrights Canada Press). Her play, the comedy A Fertile Imagination, about two lesbians trying to have a baby, was nominated for two Dora Awards in Toronto. The former books editor at NOW Magazine lives in Toronto with her partner and is also a grandmother of two.