A Saskatchewan Cree author is gratified and excited that her first novel has been recognized and nominated in three categories in the Saskatchewan Book Awards.
Carol Daniels is a former broadcaster, and current artist and author. Her first book, called Bearskin Diary, has only been out for about three months, but it is getting noticed.
The book has been nominated in three categories and is on the shortlist for the Saskatchewan Book Awards, which will be handed out in a couple of months.
The story is fiction, but the main character is based loosely on Carol and her life.
She was a victim of the 60s’ Scoop. Daniels is a full blood Cree Indian who grew up in a white home, but later reconnected with her family. She says the time is right to share that story.
“It is an important one to talk about and I think more than anything that the discussion has started about the 1960s scoop-up and how it affected so many people in Canada in a negative way,” she said.
Daniels also says the book is about a woman who, despite obstacles and set- backs, emerges as a strong central character. She says that seems to resonate with people.
“It is really important to portray aboriginal women as being strong and grounded,” she said. “You know people who solve their own problems and we do it together as sisters and that is another one of the underlying themes of Bearskin Diary.”
One of the co-founders of Idle No More, Sylvia McAdam, was also nominated in two categories for her book Nationhood Interrupted.
In all there are 185 entries for the Book Awards.
The awards will be handed out during a ceremony at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina April 30.