Rest in Peace, Darrel J. McLeod
Milkweed Editions is deeply saddened to share that Darrel J. McLeod passed away late last week after a sudden illness. He was 67. Darrel was an uncommonly beautiful and gentle soul whose stories about finding his voice as a two-spirit, Indigenous man moved readers across the globe. Along with his activism and service to Indigenous causes, particularly in Canada, his books brought forth vital stories of heritage, compassion, forgiveness, and hope.
“I am saddened by the news of Darrel’s passing, if also profoundly grateful to have called him a friend. He was an exceptionally beautiful human being.”—Daniel Slager, Publisher & CEO
Darrel J. McLeod is the author of Peyakow and Mamaskatch, which received the Governor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction. He was Cree from treaty eight territory in Northern Alberta. Before deciding to pursue writing in his retirement, McLeod was a chief negotiator of land claims for the federal government and executive director of education and international affairs with the Assembly of First Nations. He held degrees in French literature and education from the University of British Columbia. McLeod was also a talented jazz singer and performed around the world with his quartet.
In Mamaskatch—Cree for “It’s a wonder!”— McLeod shares the stories of his family and childhood, both the moments filled with joy and devastating memories. Peyakow—Cree for “one who walks alone”—continues his life story into an adulthood filled with loss, love, addiction, and perseverance. McLeod’s life was not an easy one, yet his storytelling is full of brilliance, wisdom and heart, inspiring others to find their way to healing from trauma. His loss will be deeply felt by many.
Remembering Darrel McLeod:
“Darrel was such a kind man. My son, who was in first grade at the time, made the lettering for the cover of Mamaskatch (on which Darrel’s first grade school photo appeared) and Darrel was kind enough to make a fuss over him when I brought him to hear Darrel read from the book. Darrel treated the crowd to a musical performance, and crooned so sweetly I thought my heart might melt. He was a very special, exceptionally gracious person and I’m sorry to learn of his passing.” —Mary Austin Speaker, Creative Director
“I have such fond memories of Darrel and I’m heartbroken that he’s no longer with us. Here’s one of my favorite Milkweed photos [above] featuring him sitting on his pallet of books fresh from the printer during his Minneapolis visit. He brought such light with him everywhere he went.”—Shannon Blackmer, Sales & Operations Manager
“Before I worked at Milkweed Editions, I read Darrel’s Mamaskatch. His story, and Milkweed’s publishing it, was a huge part of why I wanted to work for the press. The way he shared so boldly yet tenderly about his own life—his Cree culture, his sexuality, the abuses he endured—felt like a personal conversation. Even though I never had the chance to meet him, I will forever feel as if I’ve lost a friend, and I have no doubt that Mamaskatch will continue to be one of my favorite books we’ve ever published.”—Lauren Langston Klein, Managing Editor
“He will be sorely missed both as an individual and as a master of his craft.”—Bailey Hutchinson, Editor
Darrel J. McLeod
Darrel J. McLeod is the author of Peyakow and Mamaskatch, which received the Govenor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction. He is Cree from treaty eight territory in Northern Alberta. Before deciding to pursue writing in his retirement, McLeod was a chief negotiator of land claims for the federal government and executive director of education and international affairs with the Assembly of First Nations. He holds degrees in French literature and education from the University of British Columbia. He lives in Sooke, British Columbia.
Thrillingly written in a series of fractured vignettes, and unflinchingly honest, Mamaskatch is a heartbreaking account of how traumas are passed down from one generation to the next.
Following his award-winning debut memoir, Mamaskatch, which masterfully portrayed a Cree coming-of-age in rural Canada, Darrel J. McLeod continues the poignant story of his adulthood.
