A new national literary prize is shining a spotlight on writers from Canada’s northern and remote communities. The Boreal Prize, launched this year by a coalition of literary organizations and Indigenous publishers, aims to recognize authors whose voices are often underrepresented in mainstream publishing.
The award is open to writers living in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northern regions of the provinces. Submissions are accepted in English, French, and Indigenous languages, reflecting the linguistic diversity of Canada’s northern literary landscape.
The inaugural winner, Tasha Iqaluk from Nunavik, was honored for her short story collection 'Silences Between the Snow,' which explores Inuit life, colonial legacy, and climate change through poetic, minimalist prose. The jury praised her for 'centering place and language with haunting precision.'
Organizers say the prize is about more than recognition—it’s about access. Winners receive not only a monetary award but also mentorship, editing support, and publishing assistance to help bring their work to broader audiences across the country.
“Northern writers face unique challenges—limited access to workshops, fewer publishers nearby, even postal delays,” said co-founder Étienne Dubé. “This prize is a small step toward literary equity.”
The Boreal Prize is funded through a mix of federal arts grants and private donors, with plans to expand next year to include a youth category. Submissions for the 2025 edition open this fall, offering another platform for stories rooted in snow, solitude, and stunning resilience.