Robert A. Poirier was born and raised in Maniwaki, Quebec. Although Washika is his first novel, he has been writing short stories for many years. After studying science as a mature student at Carleton University (Ottawa), he moved back to Maniwaki where he co-founded the local Ambulance Cooperative. He also worked with Alaskan Malamut sled dogs and organized winter camping trips mostly for Europeans. Bob Poirier taught Math and Science in the local high school for nineteen years. Fluent in English and French, he is also learning Algonquin and has embraced the spiritual practices of the Anishinabeg people since 2000. He runs a small Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre on his land, treating and caring for all species of wild animals and birds of prey.