Burnaby writer earns national honours – Burnaby NewsLeader

June 24, 2015

Burnaby’s Shaelyn Johnston earned the top prize in the recent Historica Canada’s Aboriginal Arts & Stories contest.

The 28-year-old University of British Columbia student placed first in the senior writing category.

Her prize-winning short story, Anishinaabemowin, addressed a personal desire to maintain a cultural connection, alongside larger issues of language loss experienced by many Aboriginal communities across Canada. Johnston and all four first place junior and senior category winners received $2,000 and a trip to the annual celebration attended by esteemed members of the program’s jury, including writers Lee Maracle, Drew Hayden Taylor and Brian Maracle, and artist Maxine Noel. The four winners will also be honoured at the Governor General’s History Awards taking place in Ottawa in October.

Aboriginal Arts & Stories invites First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists (ages 11-29) to interpret an aspect of their culture and heritage through literary and visual arts for a chance to earn prizes and national recognition. A jury of accomplished Aboriginal authors, artists, and community leaders select the winning submissions. Sponsors include presenting sponsor, Enbridge Inc., and supporting sponsors.

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