Festival Authors & Speakers

Farzana Doctor (she/her) is a Tkaronto-based author, activist and psychotherapist. She’s written five critically acclaimed novels, a poetry collection, and a self- and community care workbook for helpers and activists.

David A. Robertson (he/him) is a two-time Governor General’s Literary Award winner, writer for children and adults, podcaster, speaker, and social advocate, a member of Norway House Cree Nation, Winnipeg...

Anita Chong is the Editorial Director of Fiction at McClelland & Stewart, where she edits literary fiction and memoir, and champions writers from traditionally underrepresented communities.

Ardra Shephard (she/her) is an author, creator, advocate and television host. Her memoir Fallosophy (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025) is nominated for the 2026 Forest of Reading Evergreen Award.

Antonio Michael Downing (he/him) wrote Saga Boy (2021), Stars in My Crown (2023), and Black Cherokee (2025), his debut novel. He host’s CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter where he discusses...

Roza Nozari is a writer, artist, and therapist. Her work weaves together writing and visual art to share stories of wounding, healing, and community.