Jesse Wente: Tough Lies

About this event

Anishinaabe author and broadcaster Jesse Wente will discuss Tough Lies, following his national bestseller Unreconciled, which examined the stories Canada tells itself about reconciliation and proposed a path forward for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

In Tough Lies, Wente turns to his own healing journey and its influence on his view of what reconciliation between Nations requires. He will address false claims to Indigenous identity, racism he has experienced, and his rediscovery of golf and its role in his healing.

The conversation is moderated by Kathryn Gretsinger. Presented by Vancouver Writers Fest on Oct. 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. The session ends at 2:30 p.m. Standard admission is CAD 28 including taxes and fees; admission for people under 25 is CAD 15, and members and seniors aged 65+ pay CAD 25.20.

In-person tickets are currently sold out, with no waitlist. Subscribe to the festival newsletter or follow its social media for possible ticket releases. Most events offer a standby line up to 45 minutes before the start, with no guarantee of entry. Presented in partnership with Talking Stick Festival.

Tickets are non-refundable; check your order carefully. Please minimise perfume, cologne and other strongly scented products. For ticket or accessibility support, contact boxoffice@writersfest.bc.ca or 778-658-0462; Showpass order support is 1-844-307-7469. Festival accessibility information: https://writersfest.bc.ca/accessibility. Regular non-youth events do not admit babes in arms. Late entry is not guaranteed, and missed events are not refunded.