A Steady Brightness of Being: Truths, Wisdom, and Love from Celebrated Indigenous Voices

by Sara Sinclair (Editor), Stephanie Sinclair (editor)

AN INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Bringing together voices from across Turtle Island, a groundbreaking collection of letters from Indigenous writers, activists, and thinkers—to their ancestors, to future generations, and to themselves.

Drawing on the wisdom and personal experience of its esteemed contributors, this first-of-its-kind anthology tackles complex questions of our times to provide a rich tapestry of Indigenous life, past, present, and future. The letters explore the histories that have brought us to this moment, the challenges and crises faced by present-day communities, and the visions that will lead us to a new architecture for thinking about Indigeneity. Taking its structure from the medicine bundle—tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass—it will stir and empower readers, as well as enrich an essential and ongoing conversation about what reconciliation looks like and what it means to be Indigenous today.


Billy-Ray Belcourt, Cindy Blackstock, Cody Caetano, Warren Cariou, Norma Dunning, Kyle Edwards, Jennifer Grenz, Jon Hickey, Jessica Johns, Wab Kinew, Terese Marie Mailhot, Kent Monkman, Simon Moya-Smith, Pamela Palmater, Tamara Podemski, Waubgeshig Rice, David A. Robertson, Niigaan Sinclair, Miss Chief Eagle Testickle, Zoe Todd, David Treuer, Richard Van Camp, katherena vermette, Jesse Wente, Joshua Whitehead.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, Essays, Native American, Short Stories, Canada, Adult

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Sara Sinclair is an oral historian of Cree-Ojibwa, German-Jewish and British descent. A graduate of Columbia University’s Oral History Master of Arts program, Sara was the project manager and lead interviewer for Columbia Centre for Oral History Research’s Robert Rauschenberg Oral History Project. With Peter Bearman and Mary Marshall Clark, Sinclair edited a book from these narratives, published by Columbia University Press in 2019.

Prior to attending OHMA, Sara lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she conducted an oral history project for the International Labour Organization’s Regional Office for Africa. Sara’s work as an oral history consultant includes work for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the Exit Art Closure Study, a research project on the closure of New York gallery/artist’s space Exit Art (1982-2012).

For Sara’s thesis at Columbia she conducted a series of interviews exploring the narratives of university-educated, reservation-raised Native North Americans on returning to their Nations after school. Sara expanded this project, How We Go Home, through Voice of Witness’ Story Lab and is currently editing a forthcoming book with the organization.

Reviews

[Megan Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection, loved it.

[Zoelouisex · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Steady Brightness of Being: Truths, Wisdom, and Love” is a powerful, moving, and eye-opening book that deserves more than just a five-star rating. It deserves to be read by everyone. The book is not only a beautiful collection of truths, wisdom, and love, but also a critical work of storytelling that shines a light on the dark, painful history of Canada’s treatment of its Indigenous peoples.

Sara Sinclair and Stephanie Sinclair weave together their personal stories with the collective voices of Native communities, offering a glimpse into the profound wisdom and resilience that has long existed in these cultures. But beyond the love, devotion, and beauty of the words, this book is a call to action—a stark reminder of the atrocities that have been committed against the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

It’s easy to overlook or ignore the past when it’s uncomfortable, but A Steady Brightness of Being forces readers to confront that discomfort head-on. It brings to the forefront the difficult truths about residential schools, forced assimilation, cultural erasure, and ongoing systemic racism that still plagues Indigenous communities today. This is a book that isn’t just for education, but for empathy, for understanding, and for healing.

I highly recommend this book not just for the incredible writing, but for its deep, necessary exploration of Indigenous history and culture. The more people who read this, the more people will understand the painful legacies of colonization, and perhaps most importantly, the stories of survival and strength that deserve to be told.

This book has the power to spark change, to build awareness, and to encourage action. Please read it, share it, and let the world know that the truth, wisdom, and love shared within its pages deserve to be known far and wide. The more stars this book gets, the more publicity it will receive, and the more people will be able to learn about and honor the Indigenous people of Canada.

If you're looking for a book that is both beautiful and urgent, A Steady Brightness of Being is it. This is the kind of work that can change hearts, open minds, and spark meaningful conversations. It is truly a book that everyone should read 🫶🏼

[cattolyst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially chose to read this for the GR challenge but ended up being immersed in it. I recommend this book to everyone, worth the read. The essays are sad, but are the actual truth of the world. I learned a lot about the First Nation groups in Canada and the things they are globally and personally going through. It's always good to properly educate and be educated about certain topics instead of believing heresays.

[Cecilia Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very beautiful collection of writing and a strong reminder to seek out a deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences, philosophies, sciences, and spirituality.

some pieces I struggled more to understand because of the strength in metaphors, but overall would recommend :)

[Claire Greening · Rating 4 out of 5]

really beautiful writing that occasionally i got lost within

[Marley DiCastri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reminder of how much we have to reconcile over. I hope to continue reading, learning, and listening in this space

[Elisabeth M · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I believe we are a steady brightness of being, like a running wheel of light. Native people carry power. All Indigenous people are bound to something inextricably connected to the land, the sky, and the universe itself. All our teachings will tell you we are one with the stars. That we come from that light. Some nations could pinpoint the galaxies from which we derive. Some people were so exact about our relationship to the universal state of being—we are so transcendent and beautiful, and destined to be.”
A Steady Brightness of Being is a beautifully curated collection of letters written by indigenous writers of (so-called) Canada. Letters to family, to ancestors, to students, to allies— sharing stories, reminiscing, reprimanding, and showing an extraordinary vulnerable care. Each section of the book is represented by a medicinal bundle (e.g., sage, sweet grass, tobacco, etc.), and celebrates the connections and heart stories of these authors.
This collection is written despite (and in spite of) Canada (and the United States, and globally) having a vicious and intentional agenda when it comes to the physical, cultural, and linguistic removal of the indigenous peoples. I’m grateful for these words, and being given the privilege to step into the minds and hearts of these phenomenal writers.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of letters written by some of the most well-known known Indigenous writers. They are all completely different in tone, and speak to ancestors, family members and non-indigenous people of identity, reconciliation, and hope. They are arranged into four groups, those being tobacco, cedar, sage and sweet grass...the contents of a medicine bundle. Some of these letters spoke to me more directly than others, with my favourite being written by Niigaan Sinclair, katherena vermette, Wab Canoe and Billy-Ray Belcourt. A must read for those who are trying to understand Indigenous culture and history.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I heard some of the contributors to this book I immediately added it to my TBR. A Steady Brightness of Being: Truths, Wisdom, and Love from Celebrated Indigenous Voices edited by Sara Sinclair and Stephanie Sinclair features some of my favourite writers Billy-Ray Belcourt, David A. Robertson, Joshua Whitehead and Jessica Johns. It also features so many authors I’ve read before and loved their work including Waubgeshig Rice, katherena vermette, Norma Dunning and Richard Van Camp. And also some new to me writers that I’d love to read more from now including Zoe Todd, David Treuer, Kyle Edwards and Cindy Blackstock. I loved the letter format and how each author wrote such heartfelt and thoughtful words. I especially found David A. Robertson’s piece moving and it made me tear up. I loved reading this book!

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for my ARC!

[Zoe Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. As with most collections, I enjoyed some pieces more than others, but the standouts are truly standouts.

[hannah ✧˚ · . · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Dee Hancocks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Steady Brightness of Being is a beautiful book. I absolutely love hearing own voices and this definitely delivers. The format is interesting as we are presented with a variety letters that vary so much, some read like poetry. The sharing of wisdom and opening up of perspectives is refreshing to read. As with any piece like this some words speak to you more than others. The kind of book that you could read at different life stages and reflect on. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

[Mike Broderick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
This is an interesting idea. The idea that current Indigenous leaders are writing a letter to the past, present and future of Indigenous and non Indigenous people.
Although the idea was interesting, it missed the mark for me. There were some stories that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would split the letters up into three categories:
1. Really powerful ones
2. Angry, counter-productive letters
3. Boring letters.

There were three stories in a row that highlighted all three of these. First was the Murray Sinclair story. Murray Sinclair did so much for Indigenous peoples. However, he was also successful in the world of Canadian politics, judicial system and within our nation. There was a pretty unique take on this one though……it is his son that is writing and he talks about all of the accomplishments of his dad. Then he says, but I have a confession: “Canada, I am angry with you. I am angry that you took my dad away from me to fight racism and injustice. That he had to spend all of his time working toward equality.”
By contrast, the next letter by Simon Moya-Smith was just an angry rant.
The next one after that was by Jesse Wente. This one talks about dreaming, listening and belonging. While this one fits much more toward the goal of reconciliation, it was boring.

Overall, this was not bad, it had some powerful moments, but overall, it is just okay. There are much better Indigenous writings that highlight the important messages.

[Libby Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautiful and touching compilation of letters, prose, poetry, and call to action from Canadian writers and artists with Indigenous roots.

My major takeaways (that tugged at my heartstrings and helped me reconcile my own role in learning more about the history of colonization in the Americas and how I can live accordingly):

“You have to know the history well enough so that you can talk about it accurately and appropriately but also so that you can answer the difficult questions kids will have. The focus has to be on the kids…

I used to say that kids don’t see colour, but I’ve come to believe, after meeting tens of thousands of children throughout my career that this isn’t accurate. They aren’t colour-blind. They see their differences. They just don’t give a sh**. That is unless we make them give a sh**. “ -David Robertson

“We are messy humans living in a messy world. And it is far too easy, albeit seductive, to ride through a story or a history superficially.” -Zoe Todd

“I wish I had clarity on what it is I want you to do. But perhaps that is the point. I don’t want you to do anything of your own volition. What I want is for you to listen. To take in these words and the words of other Indigenous people and then step back. Our words are not meant to compel you to immediate action… Learn our histories. Learn our worldviews. Learn our science… Meanwhile, continue to ready your own skills and expertise that you are willing to offer as help when sought. When. Sought.” -Jennifer Grenz

[Carling Tanno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and Netgallery for an e-ARC of A Steady Brightness of Being in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: A collection of letters by Indigenous/First Nations authors. Some of these letters are addressed to loved ones that have passed on, loved ones in their lives, and future loved ones! These letters address various topics but center around past, present, and future concerns and what it means to be Indigenous.

Overall: I was really struck by a few of the letters. Specifically, the letter that details Murray Sinclair and the legacy of his diligence to his community was so endearing. Another letter was to allies. I appreciated the authenticity of the author and their recognition of allyship and simultaneously having difficult feelings towards those that would be considered allies. It was such an important reminder of the complexities of emotions faced by our Indigenous communities as a direct result of colonization and genocide. I thought it especially touching that the last letter was by Waubgeshig Rice to his future great-great grandchildren. His letter felt like an opus on his love and desire to speak Anishinaabemowin and pass the language down to his children. It was beautiful and touching! The perfect way to end this unique and timely collection of letters.

Rating: 4/5- I highly recommend this book. It is a quick and intimate read and highlights some of the challenges and richness of Indigenous lives.

[Dr_ Andrain · Rating 3 out of 5]

⊰═🕀═⊱≼🪶Збереження ідентичності🪶≽⊰═🕀═⊱

Цікавий приклад тексту з деколонізаційним наративом ... Є що почерпнути українцям, для яких відстоювання власної ідентичності стало частиною національної історії ... Вважаю, що збереження своєї спадщини завжди заслуговує на повагу ... Навіть згадки про "новомодний" квір тут подані зі своєї перспективи ... Історію з лимонадом використано з правильними наголосами "треба діяти" ... Як пише один з авторів:

"But to be frank, being upset doesn’t change a thing.

Ця історія актуальна для кожного ... Цікавим був також лист Зої Тодд про лікаря Вільяма ... Доволі зворушливою у листі Ніаагана Сінклера "Dear Canada" є скорбота про те, що боротьба його батька з системою забирала останнього від сім'ї ...

Здавалось би, що все гарно ... Стверджується власна ідентичність, пошук і звертання до власних символів, відстоювання власної міфології, однак без ложки дьогтю не обійшлося ... Все ж таки, у деяких авторів відчувається ухил тяжіння до "лівого" політичного спектра, що, звісно, не дивує, однак, на мою думку, можна б було обійтися і без цього ... А лист "Dear You... You Poor Bastard" взагалі доволі зіпсував враження від книги ... Відмінусував пару балів виключно через це хамство і приниження людей на політичному, релігійному та расовому ґрунті ... Ні про яке взаєморозуміння не може бути мови, поки існуватимуть такі листи ...

💧⊱═𒍟═⊰🩸⊱ 7/12 ⊰🩸⊱═𒍟═⊰💧

☔ Dr_Andrain ☔

[Joanne Culley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edited by Sara Sinclair and Stephanie Sinclair, A Steady Brightness of Being: Truths, Wisdom, & Love from Celebrated Indigenous Voices, is an anthology in the form of letters from a range of authors, including Wab Kinew, Cindy Blackstock, katerena vermette, Niigaan Sinclair, Jesse Wente, Waubgeshig Rice, and more. The letters are to "Indians Now and Forever Surviving," to "Canada," to "My Great-Great Grandchildren," and others, and are organized in the form of a medicine bundle, containing tobacco, cedar, sweetgrass and sage. Deeply moving, the offerings celebrate Indigenous history and culture to create an understanding of the past, present and future. The essay of Waubgeshig Rice, author and journalist, closes the collection, in which he expresses his mission to speak, read and write Anishinaabe, and his desire that his great-great grandchildren will grow up to be fluent in that language and will understand the love he is passing down to them.

[ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I wanted to start off by saying thank you to my Indigenous family and people for writing and publishing such powerful words. Secondly, this is coming from a Chickasaw women/Native. Lastly, there were a few quotes and stories I bookmarked and highlighted in my app because the words resonated with me.

One of the stories I enjoyed in the Tobacco section is from Terese Marie Mailhot, titled To Indians Now and Forever Surviving.
“I believe we are a steady brightness of being, like a running wheel of light. Native people carry power. All Indigenous people are bound to something inextricably connected to the land, the sky, and the universe itself. All our teachings will tell you we are one with the stars. That we come from that light.”

The three others were:
Warren Cairou • Letter to Clouds
Kent Monkman • Dear Students
Pamela Palmater • Remember, We Are Warriors

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Steady Brightness of Being” is a collection of tender letters by indigenous authors on family, community, nature, and sustaining culture. Many of the letters are heartfelt reflections on family members' lives. Some of them dove into the pain and generational trauma caused by residential schools, colonization, and racism. There were also reflections on how the contributors’ connection with their culture through art, spirituality, family history, and language provided fulfillment and a better understanding of those who came before them. I found Murray Sinclair’s story and legacy to be very impactful and have since watched more of his interviews, so I’m grateful to be introduced to his work through this book.

Thank you to every contributor who had a letter in this book for sharing something so personal with all of us. A warm thanks to Stephanie and Sara Sinclair, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia O'Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the idea of putting together a book of letters. Letters written by indigenous writers, thinkers and activists. Some of the letters are like a warm blanket eliciting nostalgic connection; some are framed as a lesson; some push back hard against injustice; some are enlightening; some invite thoughtful and uncomfortable reflection. I learned something from every letter writer. Here are some stand-outs:

Jesse Wente - Dreaming, Listening, Belonging
“We need to decolonize our dreams.”

Kent Monkman - Dear Students
“…our creation stories are not legends or myths but scientific theories…”

Jennifer Grenz - Dear Allies
“You may have heard the saying, ‘Nothing about us without us.’ This has become insufficient in this new world of extraction. Where the dispossession has become sneakier. Repeat this, dear allies: ‘Nothing about us that is not led by us.’”

[Enid Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this is definitely something different. A series of letters written to the past, present and future.
Overarching idea that stories untold equals history unhealed. A call to action… implicitly charting a course to what reconciliation might look like.

There is pain and anger here but… there is joy here also. This is a celebration of culture - a road map to the future. This is about finding our way back to what we’ve lost. The focus is on empathy. Having it. Building it.

The downside is that the letters are very variable in their appeal and impact.

Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting me access to an early digital review copy.

3.5 rounded up to 4

[Amy]

No
A book I borrowed from the library to try before I buy (tired buying hundreds books and hating half)

I do not rate these “tested”
books. This is really for me. I will not be buying, reading borrowing this book.

I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:

Love cover, sm size PRH pub love paper

Looking for books about indigenous communities but I’m not into books with letters. Plus it’s weird it’s current Indigenous leaders are writing a letter to the past, present and future of Indigenous and non Indigenous people Ugh 😣

[Rhiley Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Canada for the E-ARC! This E-ARC was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

Getting to learn about Indigenous history, teachings, and stories through Indigenous voices was an absolute delight. Through stories of ancestors, long lost family members, love and grief, and residential schools, we're given short excerpts from celebrated voices across many different generations. Succinct and heartwarming to the very core.

[Susie Dumond · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many brilliant voices in this anthology! The letter approach felt a bit uneven, as some of the writers engaged with it while others seemed to just write an essay and call it a letter. But this collection definitely made me think and introduced me to some Indigenous writers I'd like to explore more.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful anthology of micro-essays/letters from a variety of Indigenous writers, some of whom I have heard of before and others who were new to me. I just put a bunch of their books on hold and am really excited to dive deeper into each author's work. Thank you to all the authors for their wisdom and teachings.

[Jifu · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Note: I read an advanced reader copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley)

As a non-indigenous reader, I found these letters to often be quite informative, all beautifully written from the spirit, but above all provided me a lot of fresh new perspective to mull upon.

[Doe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful collection of truths and wisdom expressed through letters. I was humbly moved by so many of them.

(I received the notice that this ARC was being mailed to me on our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.)

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank the publisher Penguin Canada for the arc copy of this book.

This was a beautifully written collection of stories by different Indigenous writers. I don’t usually read many non- fiction books, but this one I really enjoyed reading.

[Laura Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and snappy book that I loved. I loved reading the different perspectives but also made me feel so deeply for those who have had disparity in life and ensuring to remind myself of that.

[Amgalantuul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned from the descendants. I admired how Mongolian were similar in the thought process. I hope that the native language will be preserved for generations through generations and all of them will be living peacefully without any difficulties in the future. 🍀🤗💞