LITERATURE
The
2019 CODE Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Young Adult Literature Shortlist
In addition to the cash prizes awarded to the winning authors, publishers receive a guaranteed purchase of 2,500 copies, which are then distributed at no cost to schools, libraries, and community and friendships centres across Canada. To celebrate the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, the CODE Burt Award has launched a new Indigenous Language Award Category, the first of its kind in Canada. SAY Magazine is pleased to present this year’s shortlisted titles. These books are available in bookstores or through GoodMinds.com.
Named the 2017 Burt Award’s Honour Book, Inuk writer Aviaq Johnston’s debut novel Those Who Run in the Sky has been shortlisted again for its Inuktitut version, translated by Blandina Tulugarjuk. After a strange and violent blizzard leaves Pitu stranded on the sea ice, he soon realizes that he has been carried into the spirit world, a world populated with terrifying creatures. Pitu must master all of his shamanic powers to make his way back to the world of the living, to his family and to the girl he loves.
Published by Theytus Books
Published by Highwater Press
The CODE Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Young Adult Literature is an annual Canadian literary award and readership initiative that recognizes excellence in Indigenous-authored literature for young adults (ages 12-18). It aims to champion literacy, build language skills and foster the love of reading.
Published by Inhabit Media
INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE CATEGORY
Three Feathers is the third title in The Debwe Series, written in English by Richard Van Camp (Tłı̨chǫ Dene) and translated into South Slavey by Doris Camsell. After three young men vandalize their community, they are sent to live nine months on the land as part of the circle sentencing process. There, the young men learn to take responsibility for their actions and acquire the humility required to return home. But, when they do return, will they be forgiven for what they’ve done?
Inconvenient Skin is a collection of poetry written in English by Shane Koyczan and translated into Cree by Soloman Ratt. The poems aim to unpack the challenges of the dark side of Canada’s history and to clean the wounds so the nation can finally heal. Powerful and thought-provoking, this collection will draw you in and make you reconsider Canada’s colonial legacy.
This year, financial support for the CODE Burt Award program was generously provided by The Consecon Foundation, Power Corporation of Canada and The Writers’ Union of Canada. For further details on the Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Young Adult Literature, please visit code.ngo/approach/literary-awards. 10 10 || EDUCATION EDUCATION GUIDE GUIDE
