U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories
Welcome to U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories — the podcast that takes you beyond the book jacket and into the creative heart of the University of Alberta’s finest storytellers.
In each episode, we sit down with U of A authors — from celebrated alumni to inspiring faculty and emerging student voices — to explore the passion, process, and personal journeys behind their latest works. From fiction to memoir, poetry to research, discover the experiences, memories, and motivations that shaped the stories on the page.
Because every great book has a backstory — and we’re here to share it.
Territorial Acknowledgement
The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.
U of A Reads: Stories Behind the Stories
Conor Kerr
In this special episode of U of A Reads, we sit down with award-winning Métis writer Conor Kerr, '12 BA to explore the stories, history, and fierce heart behind his latest novel, Prairie Edge.
Conor is a national award winning Metis/Ukrainian writer and bird hunter living in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton). Born in Saskatoon, raised in Buffalo Pound Lake and Drayton Valley. He is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. His Ukrainian family are Settlers on Treaty 4 Territory. Conor is passionate about crafting narratives that focus on the relationship to the landscapes around us.
Recorded as part of the Beyond the Pages webinar series, this conversation takes listeners deeper into Kerr’s creative practice—his approach to storytelling, his reflections on Métis identity and community, and the ways the Prairies shape his characters, their choices, and their futures.
You can find Conor's book at your favourite local bookstore.
This podcast is brought to you by the University of Alberta Alumni Association.
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