Draft:D.A. Lockhart
D. A. Lockhart | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 October 1976 Chatham, Ontario, Canada |
| Education | Trent University (BA) Montana State University (MA) Indiana University Bloomington (MFA) |
| Occupations | Poet, short story writer, editor, publisher |
D. A. Lockhart is an Indigenous Canadian poet, fiction writer, editor, and publisher based in Waawiiyaatanong (Windsor, Ontario).[1] He is a registered member of the Turtle Clan of Eelünaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Lenape), belonging to the Moravian of the Thames First Nation.[2] Lockhart is a prominent figure in the contemporary Indigenous literary community and the broader arts community of Southwestern Ontario, known for his place-based meditations, historical lyricism, and exploration of borderland identities.[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Lockhart grew up in Southwestern Ontario.[4] He pursued post-secondary education at Trent University, where he completed his undergraduate studies, followed by a Master of Arts at Montana State University.[1] He later moved to the United States for graduate work, earning a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from Indiana University Bloomington. While at Indiana University, he was awarded the Neal-Marshall Graduate Fellowship in Creative Writing.[5]
Career
[edit]Lockhart's writing career bridges poetry and short fiction, heavily focusing on the landscapes, histories, and intersections of the Great Lakes and Midwestern regions.[5] His work frequently treats areas like the Detroit River or the Ohio River Valley as spaces of shared, deeply rooted, and often suppressed Indigenous history.[6]
His individual poems and essays have appeared in prestigious literary journals such as The Fiddlehead,[7] The Malahat Review,[6] Grain, ARC Poetry Magazine, TriQuarterly, and The Temz Review.[8] His work has been anthologized nationally, including selections in Best Canadian Poetry 2019 and Best New Poetry from the Midwest.
In addition to his writing, Lockhart co-founded Urban Farmhouse Press in 2013, an independent literary press operating out of Windsor, Ontario, which publishes contemporary poetry and prose.[1] In 2019, he joined the academic and literary journal The Windsor Review (published by the University of Windsor) as its Poetry Editor.[1] He frequently serves as a juror for literary awards, including acting as the peer judge for the 2022 Constance Rooke Creative Nonfiction Prize administered by The Malahat Review.[6]
Major works and critical reception
[edit]Lockhart has published over twelve books spanning poetry and short fiction:
- Devil in the Woods (Brick Books, 2019): A collection of poems examining the geography, culture, and colonial history of Southwestern Ontario. In an interview with CBC News, Lockhart noted that the collection speaks directly to historical Canadian figures and addresses how the landscape shapes identity.[2]
- Breaking Right (Porcupine's Quill, 2021): A collection of short stories set across the border regions of Ontario and the American Midwest. The book was featured by CBC Books as a key title in contemporary Indigenous fiction.[9]
- Go Down Odawa Way (Kegedonce Press, 2021): A poetic exploration of Indigenous navigation, rivers, and memory. The collection received favorable critical attention in literary reviews for its lyrical mapping of ancestral waterways.[10]
- Commonwealth (Kegedonce Press, 2025): A poetry collection exploring sport, culture, and community. Lockhart discussed the themes of the book extensively on CBC Radio's Windsor Morning.[3]
Bibliography
[edit]- Big Medicine Comes to Erie (Black Moss, 2016)
- The Gravel Lot That Was Montana (Mansfield Press, 2018)
- Wenchikàneit Visions (Black Moss, 2019)
- Devil in the Woods (Brick Books, 2019)
- Bearmen Descend Upon Gimli (Frontenac House, 2021)
- Breaking Right (Porcupines Quill, 2021)
- Go Down Odawa Way (Kegedonce Press, 2021)
- North of Middle Island (Kegedonce Press, 2023)
- Leaf Counter (Frontenac House, 2025)
- Commonwealth (Kegedonce Press, 2025)
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 "Local Author Profile: D. A. Lockhart". Windsor Public Library. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
- 1 2 Chen, Chris (August 31, 2019). "Poetry book by local Indigenous author speaks to famous Canadians, local landscapes". CBC News. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
- 1 2 Commonwealth, a new book of poetry by D. A. Lockhart. Windsor Morning. CBC Radio. November 12, 2024. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
- ↑ Gervais, Marty (April 24, 2021). "Local Indigenous author, poet nominated for literary awards". Windsor Star. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
- 1 2 "Indiana Authors Awards: D. A. Lockhart". Indiana Authors Awards. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
- 1 2 3 Riddle, Emily (Winter 2022). "In Conversation with D.A. Lockhart". The Malahat Review. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
- ↑ "D.A. Lockhart Reviews We Surviving the Night". The Fiddlehead. Spring 2025. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
- ↑ "Poetry by D. A. Lockhart". The Temz Review. Fall 2021. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
- ↑ "Breaking Right by D. A. Lockhart". CBC Books. September 1, 2020. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
- ↑ Gervais, Marty (April 17, 2022). "Review of D. A. Lockhart's "Go Down Odawa Way"". FreeFall Magazine. Retrieved 2026-09-20.
Category:Living people Category:Canadian male poets Category:Lenape people Category:Writers from Windsor, Ontario Category:Trent University alumni Category:Montana State University alumni Category:Indiana University Bloomington alumni