Jo-Ann Episkenew (19 August 1952 – 18 February 2016) was a Métis writer originally from Manitoba, though she lived in Saskatchewan for much of her life.

[4] She also served as the director of the Indigenous People's Health Research Centre at the University of Regina.

[7] Her book, Taking Back Our Spirits; Indigenous Literature, Public Policy, and Healing was published by the University of Manitoba in 2009.

Five critics published their commentary in the forum, Kristina Fagan Bidwell, Susan Gingell, Alison Hargreaves, Daniel Heath Justice, and Deanna Reder, followed by Episkenew's response.

[12] She received the Indspire Award for service to education, one of fourteen Indigenous Canadians selected in 2016.