The Work of Our Hands

Praise for The Work of Our Hands: “What a wonderful book. I was struck by the honesty and humility of the storytelling, and the bravery Adrian has in sharing his journey. It’s a deeply felt story, raw in both its detail and its emotion, and I really connected with his healing journey, through the land, ceremony, and into the work one can create with your own hands. You can smell and taste the land, feel the sting of the wind on his face. It’s resonant with its Cree world-sense and familiar with its redemption in living ‘in a good way,’ as we Anishinaabe say. A loving journey on the healing path.”—Jesse Wente, bestselling author of Unreconciled “With anxiety around a growing sense that the way we live on earth needs to change, Adrian Sutherland asks us to look at the animals we are, and the ways we give meaning to our existence. The Work of Our Hands is closely attuned to the grit and hardship of Attawapiskat life, while imbued with reciprocity and care, and glimmers of magic too. Sutherland’s writing is flint-sharp, as fresh as fish, arrayed in shining scales. Atmospheric, unsparing, beautiful.”—Heidi Sopinka, bestselling author of The Dictionary of Animal Languages and Utopia “Powerful, poetic, and profound. This is a must-read book about the trials and triumphs of a remarkable people and a truly good man.”—Bob Ezrin, music producer to Lou Reed, Aerosmith, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, and Andrea Bocelli“Adrian has written a powerful and heart-wrenching memoir—a story of struggle, addiction, resilience, and, ultimately, spiritual awakening. With unflinching honesty and hard-won wisdom, this book invites readers not only to witness his journey but to cheer for him along the way. Deeply inspiring, this book lingers long after the final page.”—Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo

Adrian Sutherland is a recording artist from Attawapiskat on James Bay. He released four albums with his band Midnight Shine before turning to solo projects. Since 2021, he has been nominated twice for the JUNO Awards and won ‘Best Americana Album’ from the World Entertainment Awards. A father of four, grandfather of seven, and a hard-working husband, Adrian is proud of who he is and where he comes from. He speaks his Cree language, is a respected cultural leader, and practices traditional ways of the land. Among his numerous roles in the community, he is a Master Corporal with Attawapiskat’s Canadian Ranger Patrol, where he leads young people on wilderness initiatives.

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