Larry Loyie

Celebrating his life and work

Larry (Cree name Oskiniko, meaning “Young Man”) was an Indigenous writer, activist, and advocate. Together with his partner, Constance Brissenden, they created Living Traditions Writers Group to encourage writing within Indigenous communities.

He began writing in his mid-fifties to make his childhood dream of being an author come true. Larry Loyie, with Constance Brissenden, wrote more than one dozen books honouring his traditional Cree childhood. He attended St. Bernard residential school in Grouard, Alberta. His books open doors to understanding the residential school system.

Determined, resilient, residential school survivor, author

About Larry Loyie

The life of Larry Loyie began in 1933 and spanned 82 years that were rich in culture, passion, and the accomplishment of many dreams.

His first dream was to become a writer. He accomplished this at 55 years of age, after working as a labourer and prison counsellor. He met his partner, Constance Brissenden, in a creative writing class. His dreams in 2005 turned to two things: to return to the Cree land that inspired his written work and to live in a log cabin. By 2007, Larry had accomplished both.

Larry Loyie’s love for his Cree culture was with him throughout his entire life, as was his passion for writing, literacy, and teaching younger generations. His legacy lives on through his many published literary works.

The Larry Loyie and Constance Brissenden research collection is housed at UBC’s Residential School History and Dialogue Centre.

Literary Works

larry loyie with constance brissenden

Larry Loyie’s books have won countless awards and continues to be read and taught in classrooms today. Larry’s Cree culture is woven through his writing in all forms.

Together with his partner, writer and editor Constance Brissenden, Larry Loyie dedicated his later life to researching and writing his many publications. Constance Brissenden continues to actively share his legacy with readers, students, and educators.

Explore All of Larry Loyie's Books

Books by Larry Loyie with Constance Brissenden are available for purchase on GoodMinds.com, a platform dedicated to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit writers.

These books are suitable for readers of all ages who want to explore Indigenous culture and history.

LARRY LOYIE'S LEGACY CONTINUES

Blog

Constance Brissenden continues to write and share about the life and work of Larry Loyie through blog posts.