USED: Stolen Life

Raw, powerful, and deeply affecting, Stolen Life tells the true story of Yvonne Johnson—a Cree woman whose life was shaped by violence, injustice, and systemic oppression. Co-written with acclaimed author Rudy Wiebe, this memoir traces Yvonne’s early years, the traumatic events that marked her adolescence, and the circumstances that led to her incarceration for murder. Through her voice, readers confront the harsh realities of intergenerational trauma, colonial violence, and a justice system that often fails Indigenous people.

Despite its darkness, the book is also a testament to resilience. Yvonne’s reflections on identity, faith, and healing offer a profound look at survival and the search for dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Unflinching, important, and emotionally resonant, Stolen Life is essential reading for those interested in Indigenous narratives, social justice, and nonfiction that challenges readers to reckon with uncomfortable truths.