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6mo ago

Niigaan Sinclair and Jordan Abel Win Governor General's Literary Awards

The awards recognize works that challenge perceptions and spark conversations on Indigenous issues in Canada.

Niigaan Sinclair and Chimwemwe Undi
Empty Spaces by Jordan Abel
Niigaan Sinclair speaks about his late father, Murray, on stage at a memorial in his honour, in Winnipeg, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. When Niigaan Sinclair pitched his collection of articles to a Toronto publisher, he was told “Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre” was a “regional book.”

Overview

  • Niigaan Sinclair's book 'Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre' won the non-fiction category, despite initial perceptions as a regional work.
  • Jordan Abel's novel 'Empty Spaces,' which explores Indigenous displacement, won the fiction prize, affirming its challenging and political nature.
  • The awards highlight a growing interest in Indigenous literature, with Sinclair and Abel's works prompting discussions on Indigenous justice and identity.
  • Chimwemwe Undi of Winnipeg won the poetry category for 'Scientific Marvel,' further showcasing the diversity of voices recognized this year.
  • The Canada Council for the Arts awarded $25,000 to winners, emphasizing the importance of promoting Canadian literary talent in both official languages.