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Bill Waiser - Historian & Author

Bill Waiser

Author, Historian, Public Speaker

Bill Waiser is one of Canada’s foremost historians.  For more than three decades, he was a history professor at the University of Saskatchewan.  He is now a full-time writer and public speaker.

Bill has published 21 books, in addition to plying his trade in radio, television, and print media.  He’s known for his engaging, popular style that draws on the power of stories.  His most recent book, In Search of Almighty Voice: Resistance and Reconciliation, was launched at the One Arrow First Nation’s community powwow at the request of the Elders.

Bill’s many honours include the Order of Canada and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.  He is the recipient of the 2016 Governor General’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction and the 2019 Governor General’s History Award for Popular Media (the Pierre Berton Award).  He’s also had the privilege of presenting one of his books to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a private ceremony. 

Bill Waiter - Speaking at Rideau Hall - GG's History Awards
Bill Waiser - Presenting Book to Queen Elizabeth II
Bill Waiser with Governor General David Johnson
Bill Waiser - With Mike Myers

Books by Bill Waiser

In Search of Almighty Voice - Resistance and Reconciliation - Bill Waiser

In Search of Almighty Voice

Resistance and Reconciliation

In May 1897, Almighty Voice, a member of the One Arrow Willow Cree, died violently when Canada’s North-West Mounted Police shelled the fugitive’s hiding place. Since then, his violent death has spawned a succession…

Saskatchewan - A New History - Bill Waiser

Saskatchewan

A New History

In Saskatchewan: A New History, award-winning author and historian Bill Waiser presents a fresh, entertaining account and interpretation of Saskatchewan’s unique and captivating history. Writing with clarity, candor…

A World We Have Lost - Bill Waiser

A World We Have Lost

Saskatchewan Before 1905

A World We Have Lost examines the early history of Saskatchewan through an Aboriginal and environmental lens. Indian and mixed-descent peoples played leading roles in the story, as did the land and climate…

Featured Article

A curious photo from 1885 captures what Indigenous reconciliation could have been – Globe & Mail

(READ MORE)
Written by Bill Waiser — Posted April 8, 2023

Daystar 1885

For more information about Bill Waiser and his work and publications, please consult his biography (PDF).

Recent work

Gordie's Skate - Bill Waiser

GORDIE’S SKATE

The Depression-era story tells how Saskatchewan’s Gordie Howe acquired his first pair of skates thanks to his mother’s generosity.

To ask a history question, extend a speaking invitation, or contact Bill: