A playwright, author, musician, and multilingual speaker, Tomson Highway is an award-winning and multi-talented Aboriginal artist. Highway has also found time to complement these great accomplishments with his work as a social worker, native artistic director, adjunct professor, and world traveller.
A full-blood Cree, he is a registered member of the Barren Lands First Nation. He lived through the residential school system, faced prejudice, and struggled to have his work recognized.
He’s the author of numerous bestselling books including Kiss of the Fur Queen and Permanent Astonishment: Growing Up in the Land of Snow and Sky. He achieved international recognition with his multi-award-winning play THE REZ SISTER, followed by the even more successful DRY LIPS OUGHTA MOVE TO KAPUSKASING. It was the first Canadian play in the history of Canadian theatre ever to receive a full production and extended run at Toronto’s legendary Royal Alexandra Theatre.
A member of the Order of Canada and the recipient of at least 10 honorary doctorates, Highway has shaped the development of aboriginal theatre in both Canada and around the world. He is one of Canada’s foremost aboriginal and creative voices.
