W. O. Mitchell was a famed Canadian author and dramatist whose works drew heavily from his Albertan homeland. He is best known for his classic novel Who Has Seen the Wind, as well as his considerable talent for framing his stories in a number of different forms. Mitchell adapted his work intoa radio, television, and stage. He wrote several novels, and was the recipient of a number of honorary degrees. In 1973 Mitchell was made a member of the Order of Canada.
Barbara A. Mitchell is associate professor in the Department of Sociology/Anthropology and the Department of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University.