Dale Auger, Ph.D., (1958-2008) was a Sakaw Cree artist and storyteller from the Big-stone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. His book Mwakwa Talks to the Loon was named Aboriginal Children's Book of the Year at the 2006 Anskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival and Book Awards and also received the 2007 R. Ross Annett Award for Children's Literature. Prior to his untimely death, Auger had been scheduled to be the Official Artist of the 2009 Calgary Stampede. He lived in Bragg Creek, Alberta, until his death in September 2008.