Stories That Bring Us Together: A Conversation with David A. Robertson
Organizations across Canada are searching for ways to build trust, deepen connection, and create spaces where people feel seen. In moments of cultural tension or organizational change, audiences want more than information. They want grounding, meaning and a way to understand one another again. That’s why David A. Robertson’s voice resonates so strongly right now.
As one of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous authors, David brings storytelling to the stage with a rare blend of humility, clarity, and emotional truth. His work, whether in children’s literature, young adult novels, graphic novels, or memoir, has shaped how millions understand identity, belonging, reconciliation, and community. On stage, he brings those same themes forward in a way that is deeply human and surprisingly universal for corporate teams, educators, associations, and community leaders alike.
This conversation explores how Indigenous storytelling can guide modern organizations, why personal narrative builds stronger teams, and what David hopes audiences carry with them long after the keynote ends.
TL;DR
David A. Robertson’s keynotes use Indigenous storytelling, personal narrative, and universal themes of community, kinship, and identity to help audiences reconnect with one another. In this interview, David shares how stories create practical pathways for trust, empathy, and shared purpose; why reflection leads to stronger teams; and how audiences can leave with a renewed sense of responsibility and community. If your event focuses on reconciliation, leadership, culture, belonging, or mental health, David offers one of the most grounding and transformative experiences available to planners today.
Q&A with David A. Robertson
Your keynote weaves together themes of Indigenous identity, truth-telling, community, and the power of stories. Why do you think storytelling, especially Indigenous storytelling, has become such an essential tool for leaders and organizations right now?
There are elements to Indigenous storytelling that help carve a path forward. It doesn’t mean we have to adopt a worldview that isn’t ours, but there is universality that applies across many areas of interest. For example, the concept of community and kinship. The act of building community is how we create a strong, safe, and productive shared environment. And because we are all from this earth, and the water gives us life, we are all kin. It makes us feel accountable to each other and fosters an understanding that we are walking together, not apart.
You’ve spoken about how stories from your own upbringing—your father’s history, your journey of reconnecting with your Cree heritage, and even the characters you write—become mirrors for modern audiences. How do you take something deeply personal and make it universally resonant for corporate, education, or community groups?
When my father and I spoke about reconciliation, I came to a better understanding of the connective tissue that exists between all of us. Story is the thread, too, that weaves us together, because representation inevitably leads to reflection. When we see ourselves in stories, we understand that our diversity is a strength and that being human means that we all share experiences, even if they are intimate. If I tell a story about my life, many people will relate to that experience. These can be instructive or inspirational experiences, but they are all meaningful, and something we can all learn from.
Your books and talks often encourage reflection on identity, history, community, and belonging. If an attendee goes back to their desk after your keynote and does one thing differently, what do you hope it is?
I hope that anybody who attends a talk of mine understands one thing, above all else. That we all have a role in making this community a better place for everybody, that the success of one is a success for all. And everybody has a role; the journey is to figure out what that role can be, and how that role can help others.
Why Organizations Book David A. Robertson as a Speaker
David’s keynotes are not lectures. They’re experiences. Event planners book him because he gives audiences an accessible, compassionate, and deeply resonant entry point into conversations many teams struggle to have; reconciliation, belonging, cultural understanding, and the shared threads that hold communities together.
His gift lies in taking themes that feel large and heavy and making them feel personal, human, and actionable. Leaders walk away with frameworks for culture-building. Educators leave with renewed clarity about representation and storytelling. Corporate teams leave with stronger empathy, perspective, and trust.
“David A. Robertson is a phenomenal speaker – incredibly engaging and easy to listen to. He masterfully wove in the perspective of mental health from an Indigenous lens. It seemed that people really resonated with his topic of mental health and his personal journey. I have seen many speakers on the issue of mental health before, but David’s ability to connect on a personal level was unmatched, and it came at a time when it was needed the most…” – Service Canada
Beyond the Stage: How David Inspires the Next Generation
David’s impact doesn’t stop when he steps off stage. Through his books and school visits, he has helped young readers see themselves represented, often for the first time. His reach is national, but his impact is personal. From inspiring emerging writers to shaping conversations on identity and belonging across generations.
This commitment to lifting others is central to what makes David such a powerful speaker: he does not simply tell stories. He creates pathways for others to tell theirs.
You’ve helped bring Indigenous stories to millions through children’s books, YA novels, graphic novels, memoirs, and now stage presentations. What’s a moment from your travels, school visits, or community interactions that truly changed you as a storyteller?
The realization that what I did, and the success that I have managed to achieve, can open doors for others. That I ought to focus on creating opportunities to help others achieve their goals, because I have the ability to do so. I was at a high school in a community, and a young man tapped me on the shoulder and told me that he wanted to be a writer now, because he had seen what I had done in my career. That showed me what my path should include going forward.
Why You Should Hire David A. Robertson as a Speaker
If your organization is navigating conversations about reconciliation, culture, belonging, or mental health, David A. Robertson provides a keynote that is both grounding and transformative. His talks help teams:
- build empathy and trust
- strengthen cultural understanding
- connect personal stories to organizational values
- create shared purpose during change
- reflect on identity, history, and community in meaningful ways
David equips audiences with a clearer sense of responsibility and a renewed commitment to one another.
For conferences, professional development days, education summits, leadership retreats, and community-focused events, David is one of the most impactful voices you can bring to the stage.
Contact Talent Bureau to check availability, discuss your event goals, or explore how David’s keynote aligns with your program.
FAQs – David A. Robertson Interview: Indigenous Storytelling & Leadership
David’s keynotes explore Indigenous storytelling, reconciliation, identity, mental health, community-building, and belonging. His talks help audiences understand how story shapes culture and why shared narratives strengthen teams. Explore related themes here:
Community Building
Diversity & Inclusion
Mental Health
David is a strong fit for conferences focused on reconciliation, cultural understanding, leadership development, community impact, or organizational belonging. His message resonates with corporate audiences, educators, non-profits, public-sector teams, and associations seeking speakers who create connection and trust.
Browse similar speaker types here: https://talentbureau.com/search-keynote-speakers-by-types/
David blends personal experience, Indigenous worldview, and universal storytelling principles to help audiences understand one another in a deeper, more human way. His approach is compassionate, practical, and emotionally resonant — offering teams a shared language for culture-building and community.
Participants leave with greater empathy, cultural awareness, and clarity around their role in building community. Audiences consistently describe his talks as grounding, meaningful, and transformative — especially for organizations navigating change or seeking stronger belonging.
You can contact Talent Bureau directly to check availability, discuss your goals, and explore whether David’s keynote is the right fit for your agenda. Our team will guide you through budgets, timelines, and event needs.
Connect with us here: https://talentbureau.com/contact/
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Keep Up With David A. Robertson
Website: darobertson.ca