Award-winning author Helen Knott shares inspiring journey on ‘Before the Peace’ podcast

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Award-winning Indigenous writer Helen Knott stopped by Moose Media studios to chat with Chris Walker on the latest episode of ‘Before the Peace.’

Known for her two memoirs, In My Own Mocassins and Becoming a Matriarch, Knott spoke throughout the hour-long interview about her experiences growing up in Northern B.C., literary influences, and struggles on her way to success.

The latter book was nominated for a 2024 non-fiction Governor General’s Literary Award and has been longlisted for the CBC’s 2025 “Canada Reads” competition.

She cites Eden Robinson’s 2017 book Son of a Trickster as a work she “returns to,” saying that Robinson, who wrote the forward for In my Own Mocassins, “nurtured and guided her” in her journey.

“I grew up here in Fort St John on a dirt road when there was still lots in town,” said Knott. “I was raised quadding and ski-dooing. But there was still a lot of racism and a lot of hard dynamics as well.”

“I feel like the landscape cultivates a certain personality. A bit rough, tough, and stubborn. But there are some good hearts.”

Knott said that, as a young girl, she was “obsessed” with the works of William Shakespeare and Plato.  

But as she’s gotten older, the 37-year-old has stepped “away from that realm” and doesn’t re-visit much.

Knott also spoke candidly about her path to sobriety and experiencing the trauma of sexual assault. She admits her struggles with the “process” of dealing with emotions and “permitting” herself to allow them. Knott is celebrating 12 years of sobriety in 2025.

However, she also says one of her biggest rewards is seeing the influence her writing has had on readers.

“I knew that I wanted to share from a space that could create freedom for other people who have experienced similar,” said Knott.

“Writing [In my Own Mocassins] how I did it, this summer will be five years. I still get messages from people who have read it, who want to tell me their story or what it meant to them on their own healing journey.”

Knott also discussed future projects, including releasing her next novel, which she described as a “travel romance.”

The entire episode of Before the Peace was released on Monday, January 20th, and is now available on all podcast platforms.