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Dawn Amber Tonks is a respected member of the St’uxwtéws band of the Secwepemc Nation from the interior of British Columbia. She completed her Master of Fine Arts with the University of British Columbia in May 2026. For her thesis she wrote a feature length screen play, titled “The International Auntie Pageant”. For which she has had to learn a lot about beauty pageants, as well as how to spell “pageant”. She writes in most genres with the focus on being Indigenous in Canada.
In November 2025 Dawn was invited to attend a Writing Residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. She was awarded the Indigenous Graduate Scholars Fellowship in 2024, and the First People Cultural Council Scholarship. Dawn was invited to attend the Women in Film and Television International Film Festival because of her work during the Tricksters and Writers Screenwriting Program.
Dawn comes from a large boisterous family. Consequently, she enjoys being alone but can’t work when it’s too quiet. With her sons, Talon and Kit, grown and out of the house Dawn can often not be found as she is outside somewhere with her dog, Duke, thinking deep thoughts. She also enjoys adventures with her husband Chris, conversations with little kids, running and talking to the crows she’s befriended. Dawn is rarely serious but always creative.
Dawn currently lives in Ucluelet, Vancouver Island BC—the perfect place to be outside.



