Julie Flett

Julie Flett is a Cree-Métis author and illustrator, known for her work in children's literature centered around the life and cultures of Indigenous Canadians. Flett is best known for her illustrations in books such as Little You, and When We were Alone, as well as for her written work in books such as Birdsong. Many of Flett's books are bilingual, and written in a combination of English, Michif, and Cree, and serve as an introduction to Michif and Cree for English-speaking readers.

Flett is also known for her advocacy work in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighborhood with indigenous youth and other community members.

Personal life Flett was born in Toronto, Ontario where she lived with her Swampy-Cree Métis father and Scottish-Irish mother. She studied for one year at Alberta College of Art and Design, taking coursework in textiles, Upon returning to Vancouver, Flett became involved with advocacy work for women on Vancouver's Downtown East Side. Working for the Positive Women's Network as an outreach worker and arts educator. Flett was also involved in print making classes where she worked with indigenous youth and community members.

Works Flett's writing and illustrations primarily centre Indigenous people, particularly Cree and Métis children, and their family relationships. Her work also focuses heavily on language, and the importance of representation of indigenous languages and narratives within contemporary literature. Flett's books, such as Wild Berries, have been praised for their cultural relevance and accessibility, and for their utility as resources for Cree and Michif language education. Flett's 2019 book Birdsong was awarded the 2020 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, and was named a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature, selected as a best picture book of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and The Horn Book Magazine, as well as an honor title for the 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award.

In 2025 the Writers' Trust of Canada named her the recipient of the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for her body of work.

Book TitleAwardResultOn the Trapline (Illustrator)Governor General's Literary Award Birdsong (Author and Illustrator)TD Canadian Children's Literature AwardGovernor General's Literary AwardShortlistedAmerican Indian Youth Literature AwardHonor TitleWhen We Were Alone (Illustrator)McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award, Manitoba Book AwardsGovernor General's Literary Award - Young people's literature — illustrated books We Sang You Home (Illustrator)Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year (2017)CommendedCCBC Best Books (2017)CommendedBOLOGNARAGAZZI AWARD Toddlers (2019)CommendedMy Heart Fills with Happiness (Illustrator)Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize (2017)WonGirls of Summer Reading List (2017)CommendedBank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year (2017)CommendedGlobal Read Aloud (2018)CommendedIndigenous Literature Award (2018)Short-listedPakwa Che Menisu / Wild BerriesFirst Nations Communities READ Little You (Illustrator)2016 American Indian Youth Literature Award Best Picture Book Lii Yuboo Nayaapiwak Swer (L'Alfabet De Michif) / Owls See Clearly at Night (A Michif Alphabet)Governor General's Award for Children's Literature A Day with Yayah (illustrator)Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize FinalistÂnskohk Aboriginal Children's Book of the Year Won