His first collection was Wood Mountain Poems (1976), edited by Purdy, followed by The Ghosts Call You Poor (1978) and In The Name of Narid (1981).
Suknaski's Polish and Ukrainian heritage, his concern for First Nations people and for the history and culture of the Canadian Prairies are strongly reflected in his work.
[2][3] Montage for an Interstellar Cry (1982) and Silk Trail (1985) were the first and third parts respectively of a larger work that was to be called "Celestial Mechanics.
see Canadian National Railway and the Chinese immigrant labourers, known as Coolies, that were integral to its success.
Suknaski first appeared on the Canadian literary scene in two influential anthologies, Storm Warning, edited by Al Purdy, and Four Parts Sand which also featured Judith Copithorne, bill bissett and Earle Birney.