Monique Gray Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author. Her first published novel, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, won the 2014 Canadian Burt Award for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Literature. Since then, Monique has had 9 books come out that cover a broad spectrum of ages, topics and emotions. Woven into all of Monique's writing, speaking engagements and online courses is the teaching that love is medicine. Monique's recent books include Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults and a children's picture book called I Hope. Monique is Cree and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 33 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.

Nicole Neidhardt is Diné (Navajo) of the Kiiyaa'áanii Clan and is from Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has a BFA from the University of Victoria and an MFA from OCAD University in Toronto. Nicole's Diné identity is the heart of her practice, which encompasses illustration, installation, murals and Indigenous Futurisms. She is the illustrator of When We Are Kind, Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults, and most recently, What Your Ribbon Skirt Means to Me.