Cree musician Adrian Sutherland will soon add ‘published author’ to his list of accomplishments.

His memoir, The Work Of Our Hands: A Cree Meditation on the Real World, will be released on December 30, 2025, by Penguin Random House Canada. The memoir was also selected by Indigo as one of their Most Anticipated Canadian Books for 2026.

The memoir offers an intimate look at Sutherland’s life in Attawapiskat, exploring both the hardships and the resilience of his community.

“Writing the manuscript allowed me to reflect on things in a way that I’d never done before,” says Adrian. “While it was a challenging process, and sometimes emotional, too, I felt supported by the team at Penguin who helped shape the story. I’m excited for the book’s release and looking forward to finally seeing it come to life.”

Nick Garrison, Publishing Director at Penguin Canada, is thrilled with how the book turned out: 
“Adrian Sutherland is what you hear in his music – some rough edges, but so hauntingly honest it stays with you. His book is like that too. It is like an unforgettable song you can’t get out of your head once you’ve heard it.”

Garrison spent time in Attawapiskat, including a trip out on the land, to capture the context of Sutherland’s world.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Work Of Our Hands offers a unique perspective on life in Attawapiksat, beyond the headlines of poverty, substance abuse, suicide attempts, and a decaying water system. Through the lens of his daily experiences – whether playing guitar, building a sweat lodge, or carrying cannisters of water – Sutherland shares a personal and gritty portrait of his community.

The memoir emphasizes the choices, struggles, and resilience of everyday life in the Far North, offering readers an honest, human view of a world few have seen.

A new album inspired by the book is also in the works, with details to be announced soon.

Pre-order The Work Of Our Hands here.