Author Ernie Louttit Discusses His Debut Novel Pine Bugs and .303s

6/13/2023

Let's Get To Know Ernie Louttit

Ernie Louttit is a retired soldier and police officer, and has written three books, Indian Ernie: Perspectives on Leadership and Policing, More Indian Ernie, Insights from the Streets, and The Unexpected Cop: Indian Ernie on a Life of Leadership. Winner of the Saskatchewan Book Award in 2014 and the Reveal Indigenous Arts Award in 2017.

He's also a speaker and changemaker who lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Pine Bugs and .303s is his debut novel.

The Story Behind Pine Bugs and .303s

The interview continues with Ernie discussing his recovery from post traumatic stress syndrome, how his Grandfather, a train ride, the strong women close to his heart, his career as a soldier and a police officer (35 years) influenced his novel.

After World War II has ended, two soldiers united by conflict return to their small northern Ontario town to try and restart their lives. But for Elmer Wabason, a Cree man, and Gilbert Bertrand, a white man, this won’t be so easy. Maintaining their friendships and families forces a familiar challenge but also brings new obstacles they never anticipated.

A fast-paced story about deep bonds and deeper desperation, Elmer, Gilbert, and their families will have to endure disaster, deceit, racism, crime, and corruption to overcome the odds and secure the future of their town. The search for justice might be enduring but Pine Bugs and .303s demonstrates the possibilities when people unite and fight for justice.

I LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down. I think it would be an excellent series on Netflix!

And....to find out about the pine bugs you have to read his novel!