6 Sasha taqwšəblu LaPointe (she/her)

In the realm of contemporary literature, Sasha Lapointe stands as a powerful voice, weaving narratives which resonate with the complexities of Indigenous experiences. Born into the Upper Skagit and Nooksack Indian Tribe, Lapointe’s writing serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity. Growing up between Seattle and coastal landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Lapointe is deeply influenced by the stories passed down through generations of her community and family. These tales, rich with wisdom and history, ignited her passion for storytelling from a young age. As she navigated between being Indigenous and a Seattleite, Lapointe found solace and strength in the act of writing, using it as a means of exploration and self-discovery.

She has completed a double MFA through The Institute of American Indian Arts in creative nonfiction and poetry, embarking on a journey to amplify Indigenous voices within the literary world. Drawing inspiration from her own heritage, she began crafting narratives which shed light on a variety of topics, including trauma, resilience, her grandmothers’ work in the Coastal Salish community with language revitalization, to punk shows and what it is like navigating growing up between two cultures.

Lapointe’s debut collection of writing, Red Paint, which received the GAP award in 2018, garnered widespread acclaim for its raw emotion and lyrical beauty. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, she explored themes of identity, belonging, and the enduring resilience of Indigenous communities. The collection served as a testament to Lapointe’s skill as a wordsmith and her commitment to honoring the stories of her ancestors.

In her more recent works, including the collection of short stories in Thundersong, Lapointe continued to push boundaries and defy expectations. Blending elements of magical realism with gritty realism, she crafted a narrative which transcended genre conventions, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the spiritual and the mundane coexist in harmony, while telling stories of her experiences. Through the eyes of her protagonists, Lapointe explored the complexities of intergenerational trauma and the healing power of storytelling. Her work has made appearances in Hunger Mountain, The Rumpus Literary Journal, Indian Country Today, Luna Luna Magazine, The Yellow Medicine Review, The Portland Review, AS/Us Journal, THE Magazine, and Aborted Society Online Zine.

Beyond her work as an author, Lapointe is a passionate advocate for indigenous rights and representation within the arts. She frequently lends her voice to discussions surrounding cultural appropriation and the importance of authentic representation in literature and media. Through her activism, she strives to create a more inclusive and equitable world for future generations of indigenous artists and storytellers.

Today, Lapointe continues to write and inspire audiences around the world with her poignant narratives and unflinching honesty. Whether through poetry, prose, or advocacy work, she remains dedicated to amplifying indigenous voices and preserving the rich tapestry of indigenous culture for generations to come. As she continues to chart new literary territory, Sasha Lapointe stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding us of the magnificent power of storytelling to heal, educate, and unite.