To celebrate and to honour the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, CODE is proud to announce the shortlist in the new Indigenous language award category for young adult fiction. This is part of the CODE Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Young Adult Literature.
This is the first-ever Indigenous language award for young adult literature in Canada. The shortlisted titles in alphabetical order include:
– Inconvenient Skin by Shane Koyczan, written in English and Cree with translation by
Soloman Ratt. Illustrations by Joseph M. Sanchez, Jim Logan, Kent Monkman, and Nadya Kwandibens. Published by Theytus Books.
– Those Who Run in the Sky by Aviaq Johnston, translated into Inuktitut by Blandina Tulugarjuk. Illustrations by Toma Feizo Gas. Published by Inhabit Media.
– Three Feathers by Richard Van Camp, translated into South Slavey by Doris Camsell.
Illustrations by K. Mateus. Published by Highwater Press an imprint of Portage and Main.
The English language shortlisted titles in alphabetical order are:
– The Case of Windy Lake by Michael Hutchinson. Published by Second Story Press.
– Moccasin Square Gardens by Richard Van Camp. Published by
Douglas & McIntyre.
– Those Who Dwell Below by Aviaq Johnston, illustrations by Toma Feizo Gas. Published by Inhabit Media.
The shortlist was compiled by six Indigenous jury members who have extensive knowledge and understanding of young adult literature, literacy, education, and publishing. “This was an exciting mix of stories “from the past” that are still relevant for today’s reader along with more contemporary stories. We were wowed by the extraordinary writing, engaging content, and powerful life lessons.”
“CODE is thrilled to be able to share the 2019 shortlisted titles. Indigenous language revitalization is a powerful goal that elevates the important link between language, development, and reconciliation,” said Scott Walter, Executive Director, CODE.
The winning books will be announced in 2020. The Indigenous language award winner and translator will share the prize of $6,000.00. The English language winner will receive $6,000 and the Honour prize is $3,000.00 with the third English language book receiving the Honourable mention.
Publishers of the awarded books will be offered a guaranteed purchase of up to 2,500 copies. These books are then distributed to schools, libraries, community and friendships centres across Canada. This guaranteed purchase, combined with a book distribution program, is what makes this award program unique. It ensures that great books make it into the hands of young readers who need them the most, with new titles coming out every year!
Inconvenient Skin
by Shane L. Koyczan
Translation into Cree by Soloman Ratt
Published by Theytus Books
Artwork:
Joseph M. Sanchez (Illustrations),
Jim Logan (Illustrations),
Kent Monkman (Contributor),
Nadya Kwandibens (Photographs)
Inconvenient Skin is a collection of poetry written in English and translated into Cree. 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. The cover features the art of Kent Monkman, and the interior features work by Joseph Sanchez, a member of the Indian Group of Seven.
Three Feathers
by Richard Van Camp,
translated into South Slavey by Doris Camsell.
Illustrations by K. Mateus.
Published by Highwater Press an imprint of Portage and Main.
Three Feathers explores the power and grace of restorative justice in one Northern community and the cultural legacy that can empower future generations. Written in English and translated into South Slavey by Doris Camsell, Three Feathers tells the story of three young men—Flinch, Bryce, and Rupert who have vandalized their community and are sent by its Elders 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?
Those Who Dwell Below
By Aviaq Johnston
Toma Feizo Gas (Illustrator)
Published by Inhabit Media
Those Who Dwell Below is the exciting sequel to Those Who Run in the Sky. Haunted by the vicious creatures of his recent past, Pitu tries to go back to a normal life at home after the other-worldly travels and near-death encounters of his recent disappearance into the world of the spirits. But Pitu knows that there is more work to be done, and more that he must learn in his new role as a shaman.
The Case of Windy Lake
By Michael Hutchinson
Published by Second Story Press
The Case of Windy Lake Book 1 in The Mighty Muskrats Mystery Series The Mighty Muskrats won’t let a mystery go unsolved!
Sam, Otter, Atim, and Chickadee are four inseparable cousins growing up on the Windy Lake First Nation. Nicknamed the Mighty Muskrats for their habit of laughing, fighting, and exploring together, the cousins find that each new adventure adds to their reputation.
Those Who Run in the Sky
by Aviaq Johnston,
translated into Inuktitut by Blandina Tulugarjuk.
Illustrations by Toma Feizo Gas.
Published by Inhabit Media.
Those Who Run in the Sky is a coming-of-age story that follows Pitu, a young shaman who finds himself lost in the world of the spirits. After a strange and violent blizzard leaves Pitu stranded on the sea ice, without his dog team or any weapons to defend himself, he soon realizes that he is no longer in the world that he once knew. The storm has carried him into the world of the spirits, 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 that he loves.
