Lawrence Barkwell is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg (BA Hons.) and Lakehead University (MA). He is an Honourary Life Member of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF). He is currently employed as coordinator of Metis Heritage and History Research for the Louis Riel Institute and was previously the Director of the Metis Justice Institute of the MMF. He is a former employee of Manitoba Justice and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. Lawrie has edited or co-edited ten books, provided chapters for several textbooks and contributed articles to a variety of refereed journals. Over the last 25 years, Lawrie has taught at Brandon University (Winnipeg Centre Project), Red River College and the Louis Riel Institute. He also teaches beadworking and other Metis decorative arts.