Theory of Water: Nishnaabe Maps to the Times Ahead, Book Talk by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

Join us Tuesday (5/12) for a book talk by Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg writer and artist Leanne Betasamosake Simpson. Organized by the Department of American Indian Studies (DAIS) as part of its Special Speaker Series, this event will highlight her recent Theory of Water: Nishnaabe Maps to the Times Ahead (2025). Book sales and signing to follow the talk.

Questions about the event?
Visit the UCLA American Indian Studies Center for full details.

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is a renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg musician, writer and academic. She is the author of eight books, including As We Have Always Done (winner of the NAISA subsequent book prize) and the novel Noopiming which was short listed for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Dublin Literary Prize. Her collaboration with Robyn Maynard, Rehearsals for Living is a National Best Seller and was short listed for the Governor General’s Literary Award for non-fiction. Leanne’s new work, Theory of Water is a national best seller and won the Writer’s Trust Hilary Weston prize for non-fiction. Leanne has lectured and taught extensively at universities across Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Europe and has over twenty years experience with Indigenous land based education. Leanne is also a musician. Her latest release Live Like the Sky is out now from You’ve Changed Records. Theory of Ice (2021) was named to the Polaris Prize short list, and she was the 2021 winner of the Prism Prize’s Willie Dunn Award, presented to a Canadian trailblazer who has demonstrated excellence within the music video production community. Leanne holds a PhD from the University of Manitoba and is a member of Alderville First Nation.