A vexatious shapeshifter walks among humans. Shadowy beasts skulk at the edges of the woods. A ghostly apparition haunts a lonely stretch of highway. Spirits and legends rise and join together to protect the north.

Land-Water-Sky/Ndè-Tı-Yat'a is the debut novel from Dene author Katłıà. Set in Canada's far north, this layered composite novel traverses space and time, from a community being stalked by a dark presence, a group of teenagers out for a dangerous joyride, to an archeological site on a mysterious island that holds a powerful secret.

Riveting, subtle, and unforgettable, Katłıà gives us a unique perspective into what the world might look like today if Indigenous legends walked amongst us, disguised as humans, and ensures that the spiritual significance and teachings behind the stories of Indigenous legends are respected and honored. (From Fernwood Publishing)

Katłįà is a Dene writer and activist from the Northwest Territories. Land-Water-Sky / Ndè–Tı–Yat'a is her first novel.

"I wanted to write for Indigenous youth of the North because I wanted them to see themselves in the story. That doesn't often happen in mainstream publishing. A lot of the times the stories that Indigenous peoples see themselves in are victim narratives.

"I wanted to change the stereotypes of Indigenous peoples through this book and tell stories in a way that was very empowering. I hope that comes through."