B.C. lands two 2021 Governor General Literary Awards
Nigerian born Tolu Oloruntoba of Surrey and Vancouver’s Julie Flett have landed Governor General Literary Awards .
A health professional-turned-poet, first-time Governor General Literary Awards (GGBooks) winner Oloruntoba was given the English poetry category award for his book The Junta of Happenstance.
The work is described as “a reflective piece that focuses on the juxtaposition of disease and dis-ease, the immigrant experience, and social injustices.”
“It is very profound to me that poems that I wrote in artistic isolation have been meaningful for readers who have been in a different kind of isolation,” said Oloruntoba via email. “I hope the poems brought them some comfort, some ability to confront conflict, or at least some escape. There is a vindication in being read that is a key reward for artists.
Flett combined with Winnipeg-based author, David A. Robertson, to win the Young People’s Literature-illustrated books category for the book, On the Trapline.
On the Trapline is a celebration of Indigenous culture and traditions. Very personal in nature the story was inspired by Robertson’s relationship with his father, and his own bid to rediscover culture and language that had been lost in the legacy of residential schools.
“I’m so proud and honoured, for our families and communities, for the work we do together,” said Flett via email. “The Governor General Literary Awards support our stories making their way out into the world, and to win in this year’s category is such an incredible honour.”
Robertson and Flett had previously won in this category back in 2017 for When We Were Alone.
The Canada Council for the Arts-sponsored awards are given out to 14 people across the country.