Mel writes…

Hi Michelle,

I grew up on your books. I was a First Nations kid and your novels inspired me to recreate and follow the path of my ancestors. At least, partially!

I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail as a result of the inspiration Torak’s journey invoked in me. At 18 years old I travelled from Canada to Mexico by foot through the wilderness, with only a sleeping sack, a tent, and a water filter, as well as any food I could pack between each resupply. The whole thing took me 6 months! 🙂

Nearly 10 years later and I run a fairly popular Indigenous activism blog/tiktok account and I wanted to recommend your creations. I didn’t grow up with Harry Potter, I grew up with Torak, Wolf and Renn – I think other kids should too.

Gender queerness is a huge part of Indigenous society. Many of us First Nations in the so called Americas are proudly 2Spirit, and we have a variety of distinct gender identities.

I’ve read much of your commentary and I get the sense that you have always acknowledged the existence and validity of trans people and gender queerness in individuals, but I just wanted to ask for confirmation.

Today, I live in Australia on Turrbal and Yuggera land. I’m thousands upon thousands of kilometres away from my lands.

But on my bedside table is my favourite series of all time, the one I read when I need comfort and a sense of love in life.

Thank you for your time,
Mel

Michelle Replies…

Dear Mel, I was fascinated and delighted to learn that the Wolf Brother stories resonated with you as a First Nations child, and have continued to do so.  I also admire (and envy) your wanderings – particularly the Pacific Crest Trail, which I’d very much like to do at some stage.  I also love that term 2Spirit, which I hadn’t come across till now.  And you’re right about my attitudes to trans people and gender fluidity.  Indeed, that’s one of the reasons that I so enjoyed writing the three sequels to the original six-book series: because they gave me the chance to follow Dark’s character arc in depth, in a way that I’d not had time to, when we met him in Ghost Hunter.  Thanks so much for getting in touch – and may you go from strength to strength in your Australian home!  With very best wishes, Michelle