Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane Wins Canadian Children's Book Award

Join us in congratulating Educational Policy Studies PhD student Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane, who has been awarded the 2021 Norma Fleck Award for Children’s Non-fiction for her book ‘Powwow: A Celebration Through Song and Dance.'

24 November 2021

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Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane (Photo Credit Manitoulin Expositor)

Karen's book Powwow: A Celebration Through Song and Dance (Orca Book Publishers) is a celebration of Indigenous song and dance. Readers 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, Karen 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. Powwow is available for purchase from major retailers. 

Awarded by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC), the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non‐Fiction was established to recognize and raise the profile of exceptional non-fiction books. The $10,000 award is the largest of its kind in Canadian children's books and is a prestigious literary prize. The CCBC celebrates excellence in literature for young people. The 2021 CCBC Awards took place virtually on 29 October, 2021. 

Karen's award has also been reported on by the Manitoulin Expositor.

In addition to the Normal Fleck Award, Powwow was also recognized by the following: 

  • LG Gold Standard Selection (2020) • Commended
  • CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens (2020) • Commended
  • Chicago Public Library Best of the Best (2020) • Commended
  • OLA Best Bets Top Ten (2020) • Commended
  • Indigenous Voices Award, Creative Nonfiction and Life-Writing (2021) • Short-listed
  • Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award (2021) • Short-listed
  • Information Book Award (2021) • Short-listed
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Book (2021) • Commended
  • Rocky Mountain Book Award (2022) • Short-listed
  • First Nation Communities READ YA/Adult Award (2021) • Long-listed

Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane is a Anishinaabe scholar, currently working on her PhD and specializing in Indigenous Peoples Education. In addition to her doctoral studies, Karen has been an Instructor at the U of A and is an Assistant Professor at Mount Royal University (Calgary, AB).