New award for First Nations books

TORONTO – First Nation Communities Read, in partnership with Periodical Marketers of Canada (PMC), is establishing a significant new book award. Beginning in 2014, creators of the First Nation Communities Read title selected annually for community-based reading across Canada will receive additional recognition as recipients of the Aboriginal Literature Award. The award of $5,000 is supported by a four-year funding commitment from Periodical Marketers of Canada. PMC is the association of book and magazine distributors and longtime sponsor of the Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Letters (FACL). First Nation Communities Read, a program of the First Nations public library community in Ontario, promotes Aboriginal literacy, and increases national and international awareness of the availability, importance, and relevance of Aboriginal literature. First Nation Communities Read focuses, alternately, on Aboriginal literature for adults and young adults, and Aboriginal literature for children. The current (2013-2014) selection is Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese. The 2014-2015 submission call will be for children’s titles. The annual call for submissions takes place in late November. A shortlist, determined by a six-member jury of First Nation librarians, follows in the spring. The jury’s title selection announcement is in May, timed to encourage Aboriginal literature displays and programming during National Aboriginal History Month and National Aboriginal Day celebrations in June. In May 2014, First Nation Communities Read will make a joint title selection and award recipient announcement. On behalf of the members of Periodical Marketers of Canada (PMC), PMC Executive Director Ray Argyle said: “All of us at PMC feel privileged to fund this award which recognizes the work of the creators of outstanding Aboriginal literature and supports the objectives of our Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Letters.” Speaking on behalf of First Nation Communities Read, Karen Foster, juror and librarian at Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Public Library, added: “A funded award has been a longtime goal for us. This new partnership with Periodical Marketers of Canada is a wonderful 10th anniversary achievement. We look forward to beginning First Nation Communities Read’s second decade with an enhanced program and the additional program stature PMA’s endorsement provides.”