VICTORIA, B.C.—Orca Book Publishers is proud to share that Powwow: A Celebration through Song and Dance by Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane won the 2021 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction at this year’s CCBC Book Awards.
Part of the Orca Origins series which explores cultural celebrations throughout the world, Powwow takes readers on a journey through the history of powwow culture in North America, from its origins to the thriving powwow culture of today.
As a lifelong competitive powwow dancer, Pheasant-Neganigwane is a guide to the protocols, regalia, songs, dances and even food you can find at powwows from coast to coast, as well as the important role they play in Indigenous culture and reconciliation.
“During this time where ‘Anishinaabek’ (Indigenous peoples) have had colonial silence imposed on us, then with the ‘pretendindians’ claiming false identities; it is refreshing, heartwarming to have our voices heard and recognized,” Pheasant-Neganigwane said.
“Particularly away from the idolized, romantic image that society stereotypes us with. We are an audacious, brilliant and courageous peoples. Miigwech Orca Book Publishers & the CCBC.”
As discussion continues to grow and evolve around the need for more Indigenous representation in Canadian publishing, Orca Book Publishers is proud to see this recognition for Powwow.
“Orca is committed to amplifying Indigenous voices and stories through the books we publish,” said associate publisher Ruth Linka. “We have taken steps to grow our Indigenous publishing program, both in-house and through consulting the expertise of freelance Indigenous cultural editors. We are so pleased for Karen on the winning of this award and grateful to have worked with her on this wonderful book.”
Pheasant-Neganigwane is an Anishinaabe dancer, educator, writer, artist and orator from Wiikwemkoong on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Her grandparents, maternal and paternal, come from Wiikwemkoong. Her parents are residential school survivors.
She is a PhD candidate in Educational Policy Studies/Indigenous Peoples Education at the University of Alberta and is an Assistant Professor at Mount Royal University in the Treaty Seven region, cross-appointed to the Department of General Education, Office of Teaching and Learning, and the Department of Humanities–Indigenous Studies.
Praise for Powwow: A Celebration through Song and Dance:
★ “Clearly organized and educational—an incredibly useful tool for both school and public libraries…This comprehensive primer of the history and importance of the powwow in North American Indigenous culture is a necessary purchase.”—School Library Journal, starred review
“An enriching, information-rich resource that centers an Indigenous perspective.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Authentic, informative and celebratory. Highly Recommended.”—CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Attractive, informative, and essential for diverse collections.”—Booklist
“Full of beautiful, colourful photographs…This is an enriching introduction to the wide spectrum of powwows.”—Niagara Escarpment Views
About Orca Book Publishers (orcabook.com)
Founded in 1984, Orca Book Publishers is an independently owned Canadian children’s book publisher of award-winning, best-selling books in a number of genres. With 1200 active titles in print and digital formats and 95 new titles each year, Orca prides itself on publishing Canadian authors and bringing them to a wider market.