Character’s search for identity reflects losses of Sixties Scoop, celebration of relationships

In Finding Izzy, the title character awakens in a hospital with amnesia and few clues to her identity. Her appearance indicates she is possibly Indigenous, and her often unexpected journey draws a reader in. Author Sheryl Doherty notes, “this story might just be a story, but there are truths that run through it.”

Izzy’s process of self-discovery takes her through experiences familiar to anyone coming of age, while incorporating the fantastical. Describing her work as “inspired by Indigenous ways of being,” Doherty organically intertwines traditional practices alongside the contemporary Indigenous experience.

Real-world problems including racism, ecological disaster, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Wet’suwet’en land defence, and the foster care system all come into play in meaningful ways. “I included these problems because I don’t want people to become complacent or ignore that there are real problems. I don’t want readers to escape reality easily,” says Doherty.

This grounding comes, in part, from the author’s own lived experiences. Born in Saskatoon, Sheryl is registered with Saddle Lake, Alberta, and her ancestors are from Ahtahkakoop, Saskatchewan. Doherty, who is a survivor of the Sixties Scoop, acknowledges the parallels between what Izzy goes through and Doherty’s own experiences.

“Izzy waking up with no clues as to her identity is directly related to the Sixties Scoop experience. There are so many Sixties Scoop adoptees who experience the same type of amnesia, especially if their parents refuse to share anything about their heritage.”

Izzy works to find peace with this, in part, through finding a community of those who have come through similar losses and reclaimed their culture. “The importance of knowing where one comes from is so important in Indigenous communities,” Doherty explains.

What is most refreshing about this story is how Izzy develops a healthy friend group and family, without the toxicity, jealousy, or adversarial relationships readers might expect.

“I come from a really broken family, and I never really understood what it is like to have a family who loves unconditionally. I guess I wanted Izzy to have what I didn’t have. I also wanted her to be free of preconceived ideas of what relationships should be and look like,” Doherty notes.

“I wanted to show something different. I’ve seen Indigenous women who have strong ties to each other. These relationships are so important and should be celebrated, even in fiction.”

In all her vulnerability, the love Izzy receives empowers her to claim her true self in unexpected ways. Without spoiling what occurs at the apex of Izzy’s self-discovery, it’s fair to say readers will be left wanting more – and Doherty confirms, there will be more.

“There are going to be four books in total. The second book is going to get a little scary as more of Izzy’s backstory comes to light. That’s about all I can share. Sorry!”