Congratulations to Darrel McLeod whose memoir Peyakow: Reclaiming Cree Dignity, A Memoir (Douglas & McIntyre) is a finalist for the 2021 Weston Prize for Nonfiction! The Writers’ Trust of Canada is a charitable organization that seeks to advance, nurture, and celebrate Canadian writers and writing through a portfolio of programs including eleven national literary awards, financial grants, career development initiatives for emerging writers, and a writers’ retreat. The winner will be announced online Wednesday, November 3 as part of the digital Writers’ Trust Awards.

From the jury deliberation:
“Peyakow is more than a story of overcoming adversity; it is a story of personal and political reclamation that explores the pain of living in a world controlled by agendas and priorities that exploit the people and the land itself. Where McLeod finds connection, he also finds obligation. In the end, he discovers that being part of a community is not a passive act. McLeod’s vibrant prose renders the world with tenderness and skill. His profound book is full of love and trouble that you won’t soon forget.”

Darrel J. McLeod is Cree from Treaty-8 territory in Northern Alberta. Before deciding to pursue writing, he worked as an educator, chief negotiator of land claims for the federal government and executive director of education and international affairs with the Assembly of First Nations. He holds degrees in French literature and education from the University of British Columbia. He currently lives in Sooke, BC, and divides his time between writing and singing in a jazz band. Darrel is represented by Carolyn Forde.

To see the full list of nominees, please visit: https://www.writerstrust.com/awards/hilary-weston-writers-trust-prize-for-nonfiction

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