Phyllis Webstad, Bridget George win First Nation Communities Read Awards for best Indigenous literature
Anishinaabe author Bridget George and Northern Secwepemc author Phyllis Webstad are the winners of the 2021/2022 First Nation Communities Read Awards.
The winners are selected by a jury of Indigenous librarians from across Ontario. They will each receive $5,000.
Webstad won the YA/adult category of the 2021/2022 First Nation Communities Read Awards for her book Beyond the Orange Shirt Story.
Sponsored by Periodical Marketers of Canada, the awards honour the best Indigenous literature in children's and young adult/adult categories.
Beyond the Orange Shirt Story is a collection of truths, as recalled by six generations of Phyllis Webstad's family, and a look at what life was like before, during and after their Residential School experiences. The book exposes the readers to the multiple challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Webstad is the inspiration behind the Orange Shirt Day movement, which reflects upon the treatment of First Nations people in Canada. Born on Dog Creek Reserve, Webstad is Northern Secwepemc from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. She is based in British Columbia.
"I'm humbled and honoured that my story is a vehicle for change across Canada. It's surreal... I used to question myself: Why and why me? But then why not me?" Webstad said in an interview with The Next Chapter.
George won the children's category for It's a Mitig!
It's a Mitig! is written in a rhyming combination of Anishinaabemowin and English. The book teaches children new vocabulary while taking them through nature. Bridget wrote the book especially for families to learn Anishinaabemowin and reconnect with their culture.
George is an author, illustrator and graphic designer. Raised on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, she currently lives in London, Ont. It's a Mitig! is her first book.
"I wrote it so the English words would rhyme with the Ojibway words so that people like myself and my family who aren't familiar with the language or who are reclaiming and relearning their language are going to be able to pronounce the words without being intimidated by it," said George when she was interviewed by CBC Indigenous.
Eight books, including, When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith, were shortlisted for the children's category.
Five works, including Five Little Indians by Michelle Good and Black Water by David A. Robertson, made it to the YA/adult shortlist.
First Nation Communities Read is an annual program organized by the Ontario Library Service and funded by the Government of Canada.
Public libraries, communities and individuals across Canada can participate in the program.
