“With his favourite drum still by his side, Ren keeps his culture strong by showing children how to be courageous and practice their own culture, just like he does”
– Drum From The Heart
Ren Louie
Cultural Connections: Nuu-chah-nulth, African-American, and Ukranian
Home Base: Lekwungen and WSÁNEĆ Territory, Victoria, BC
Ren Louie is Nuu-chah-nulth from Ahousaht and his traditional name is Wikinanish, which translates to ‘eldest son’. He comes from mixed Nuu-chah-nulth, African American, and Ukranian heritage. With his background in Indigenous Studies and his work as an Aboriginal Role Model in schools, he hopes to one day teach Indigenous Studies at the post-secondary level. Ren is passionate about his language and culture and enjoys learning new songs and traditional teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers in the Indigenous community. Born and raised on Lekwungen and WSÁNEĆ Territory in Victoria, B.C., Ren continues to live there today.
Books by Ren Louie
Awards, Reviews, and Accolades
Drum from the Heart #16 on the list for Top 22 BC Bestsellers of 2022
Drum from the Heart was a First Nation Communities Read
Interviews & Articles
Ren Louie publishes first book “Drum from the Heart”
"Author hopes to deliver an uplifting and educational story about cultural identity to classrooms and beyond"
Apr 22, 2022
New children's book from B.C. author celebrates Nuu-chah-nulth family and culture
"'Drum From The Heart' tells the story of a young boy who learning to drum and sing traditional songs"
Aug 22, 2021
Camosun Indigenous Studies alumnus Ren Louie to release first children’s book
"When Ren Louie, a member of the Ahousaht First Nations, began the Indigenous Studies program at Camosun College in 2016, he never imagined he would become a children’s author..."
Dec 1, 2021
A children’s book about traditional drumming ‘feels like coming full circle’ for this Indigenous author
"As a child, Ren Louie learned traditional drumming. As a student, he learned the importance of storytelling. As an author, he found a way to bring them together."
Nov 2, 2021