Author J.K. Rowling is releasing a limited-edition series of her wildly popular Harry Potter series — but all seven books will be rewritten with a twist that many Indigenous people in Canada can relate to.
The move comes after controversy erupted over the globally renowned author’s portrayal of Indigenous Peoples in the Americas. Rowling came under fire for writing about the Navajo legend of the skinwalker in History of Magic in North America.
“This is just one way in which I can say how truly sorry I am,” Rowling said in a statement released on her website. The best-selling author also announced that she had worked with Indigenous activists and academics on the re-worked books, to ensure they accurately portrayed Indigenous realities in Canada:
Harry Potter and the Splitting of the Department of Indigenous Affairs
Harry Potter and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Harry Potter and the Secure Certificate of Indian Status
Harry Potter and the Inuit Circumpolar Conference
Harry Potter and the Jay Treaty of 1794
Harry Potter and the Honour of the Crown
and Harry Potter and the Issue of Who Is and Who Isn’t Métis
The new titles will be unveiled at a gala event in Toronto just in time for Christmas