CLIENT REVIEWS

“Iskocēs Tipiskak shows how culture, hard work and the right community supports helped John Langan turn a challenging past into being an upstanding role model in the community. This book is a story that can help those who want to understand how to help Indigenous youth be all they can be.”

Wab Kinew - Author of The Reason you Walk, Go Show the World, and the upcoming Walk in Both Worlds

“John’s story will inspire you to become a better version of yourself. He shows you how to overcome life’s greatest challenges and obstacles...READ THIS BOOK TODAY!”

Kendal Netmaker - Motivational Speaker and Founder of Neechie Gear

“John Langan’s Iskocēs Tipiskak is a candid account of his upbringing and his journey into the military and policing. He openly shares what he has experienced and learned. He is a young man on a mission to bring his unique perspective to other Indigenous men and women who faces challenges and hopefully provide some of the tools they can use to overcome them.”

Ernie Louttit - Author of Indian Ernie, The Unexpected Cop, and Insights from the Streets

“John Langan offers a brave, unflinching look at a First Nations family encumbered by dysfunction and trauma and freed by one family members commitment to truth.”

Dawn Dumont - Author of Nobody Cries at Bingo, Glass Beads, and Rose’s Run

"An inspiring autobiography. Cst. Langan has found strength and purpose within his Inidgenous spirituality; and through this book he generously shares that experience with us. It provides an education that is valuable in terms of understanding our community and also as an introduction to cultural ceremonies."

Troy Cooper - Chief of Police, Saskatoon Police Service

"Iskocēs Tipiskak is a vivid journey of John Langan’s life growing up in Saskatchewan as an Indigenous man, overcoming incredible adversity to become a husband, father, and Police Officer.  There are so many lessons in this book about the power of identity, love, and courage to bring hope from despair.  John Langan is the kind of bridge builder we need to open hearts and minds in our troubled world today.”

Charlie Clark - Mayor, City of Saskatoon

“John was an exceptional student in the Indigenous Justice and Criminology program at the University of Saskatchewan with endless motivation; while studying he was also serving in the North Saskatchewan Regiment, coaching boxing at the Four Feathers Boxing club, studying languages, and raising his family. John was and is a powerful storyteller and role model. This is evident in this book, which takes the reader on his real-life journey and is filled with stories of loss and strength told with kindness and honesty. Future students will benefit from the many great lessons contained in Iskocēs Tipiskak: A Spark in the Dark.”

Dr. Carolyn Brooks Ph.D - Professor, University of Saskatchewan (Sociology).

"Sgt Langan opens his heart and shares his experiences in a remarkably open and transparent manner. He has shown through his journey a desire to learn and grow that is inspirational. I am proud to soldier with him as a member of the CAF."

Albert Boucher - Chief Warrant Officer, Army Reserve Sergeant Major

“Mr Langan’s story is a testament to the human spirit.  He sets the example to all of us that by staying true to one's self nothing is out of reach regardless of the challenges in our lives.  I am honoured to have served with him and humbled by the quality of a man that was forged through such a crucible of life.”

 Ross McVicar - Warrant Officer Canadian Army

"John has written a gritty and honest book that keeps you turning the pages. A well written and powerful story of a man's journey through life and all the struggles that he overcame. John Langan is a gifted story teller and showed great courage in telling his incredible story. An amazing read!"

Preston Parranto - Constable, Saskatoon Police Service

"John's story, like so many Canadian Indigenous peoples, is one of Colonization and all the intergenerational traumas that go along with it, but the story is so much more than that. It is a journey of Humility, taking responsibility, and having respect for the hand one has been dealt. It is a story of moving forward, and forgiveness. 
Those who take the time to come sit and listen  to the many layered teachings. We’ll each walk softly away with something very special."

Derek Chesney - Constable Saskatoon Police Service

"A great introduction to Indigenous Culture."

Timothy Wiebe - Sergeant, Canadian Armed Forces.

“Iskocēs Tipiskak is a truly inspiring and intriguing book by John Langan.  Full of raw emotions as it navigates the reader through John’s life as an indigenous male.  His journey of many challenges, defeats and triumphs is captured throughout this autobiography.  From his childhood to his career as a police officer, John’s cultural and spiritual guidance is strong throughout.”

Robert Brown - Master Warrant Officer CD, B.A.

"A wonderfully insightful, reflective, and self-aware memoire from an inspiring Indigenous writer.  Langan clearly explains Indigenous Culture, Spirituality, and Rituals, articulating how he overcame trauma and channelled negative experiences into "power".

Mike Graver - Constable, Major, Canadian Armed Forces and Saskatoon Police Service. (respectively)

“For anyone to share the intimate details of their life, it takes great bravery and a sureness of one’s purpose.  John has done this, from the heart and with complete sincerity….not for his benefit, but for his heartfelt belief that the strength he has gained through his journey can help others see the same in themselves.  Not one element of his life is left untouched, and by speaking of each—family, workplace, health, community, spirituality—he helps to remind and encourage everyone who reads his story that we all have the capacity to contribute to, and make better the world we live in.”

Sue Diebert - Sergeant, Saskatoon Police Service

"With intention and authenticity John shares his story of resiliency and overcoming challenges seen by many Indigenous youth and adults.  His perseverance and dedication to better oneself through traditional spirituality is inspiring and motivating. A true role model and leader for all”

Joel Pedersen - Chief Warrant Officer, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and (Saskatoon Police Service, Ret.).

“As a fellow First Nations officer who has worked with John since he started his policing journey. I found John’s book easy to read and the stories inside to be relatable to almost any first nations person growing up in Canada. John has used these hardships to truly become a leader in his community. He is a ‘practice what you preach individual’, both personally and professionally. He regularly attempted to bridge the gap in policing using his knowledge of traditional practices. I would encourage anyone to read this book. It will give you a small look into the life of a young up and coming leader.”

Tre Jimmy - Constable, Saskatoon Police Service

John Langan is a product of multi-generational residential school trauma, and a dysfunctional family life. Despite all of his hardships growing up, he goes on to join the Canadian Armed Forces, earns a university degree, and joins the Saskatoon Police Service. His book 'Iskoces Tipiskak' documents growing up to learning and embracing indigenous values, traditions, customs, and ceremonies.  Hopefully, many indigenous and non-indigenous readers find a positive message and use it to possibly enlighten their lives.

Cameron J. Arcand- Master Corporal, Canadian Armed Forces.