Established in 2017 following controversy over Indigenous representation in publishing, the Indigenous Voices Awards (IVAs) were born from a grassroots crowdfunding effort that unexpectedly raised over $116,000. The awards aim to address the historical underrepresentation of Indigenous writers in traditional publishing while creating pathways to readership and publication. “For many years, published writing by Indigenous writers was remarkably underrepresented,” explains Reder, who notes that since the IVAs inception, over 130 Indigenous writers have been nominated, introducing compelling new literary voices to global audiences.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
The Indigenous Voices Awards (IVAs) were established in 2017 to honour the work of emerging Indigenous writers, and build pathways to readership and publication. Over 130 Indigenous writers have been nominated for IVAs since its inception, introducing audiences around the world to compelling new literary voices.
The IVAs foster community among Indigenous writers at all phases of their career through mentorship and professional development opportunities, and creating networks of support among established and emerging literary artists. IVAs prize funds are entirely crowd-funded by donation.
What problem does it aim to solve?
For many years, published writing by Indigenous writers was remarkably underrepresented, especially in traditional publishing. And the stories that were published rarely demonstrated the range of Indigenous experiences and creativity that it could.
The IVAs were founded in response to a major literary publication dismissing Indigenous work. When the editor concerned joked about the need for “an appropriation prize” it was clear he had no understanding that while Indigenous stories have always been popular content to publish, typically the authors have been non-Indigenous writers and scholars. Meanwhile, generations of Indigenous authors couldn’t get their work published. The huge outpouring of support following the controversy allowed the IVAs to become an influential force in the literary landscape, creating space for readers and publishers to discover incredible Indigenous authors.
When did you start/join it?
Credit for the IVAs goes to two individuals (Vancouver-based writer Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Toronto lawyer Robin Parker) who separately used crowdfunding to raise money for emerging Indigenous authors and unexpectedly raised over $116,000.00. But they weren’t certain about the next steps. At the time, I was president of the newly formed Indigenous Literary Studies Association (ILSA)–co-chair Sophie McCall was acting secretary and original co-chair Sam McKegney was past-president–when we were contacted to see if we could administer the prize. So, in summer 2017, we started working together to be able to hand out the very first awards in May 2018.
What made you want to get involved?
In my field, all scholars, whether Indigenous or settler, feel the obligation to do work that goes beyond our classrooms, to do work that is relevant to and can make an impact upon Indigenous communities. When we were approached to establish this prize, we all knew what an honour it was to be able to give much-needed attention to the next generation of Indigenous creatives.
What was the situation like when you started?
I still remember the day when, as an undergraduate student in 1988 in Montreal, the great Abenaki filmmaker, Alanis Obomsawin, gave a talk in my class and she mentioned “Native writers”-the term we used then. I was so taken aback that I went up to her to ask…” Is it true? Are there really Native writers?” Even thirty years later, in 2017, with all the improvements, there were few high-profile Indigenous authors in the Canadian publishing scene, and at that point in time a select few (e.g., Joseph Boyden) had taken up a lot of space. We wanted to change that.
How has it changed since?
The IVAs have brought attention to incredible authors like Brandi Bird, Maya Cousineau Mollen, Billy-Ray Belcourt, Tanya Tagaq, Émilie Monnet, and Jaye Simpson, and we have seen IVAs finalists in unpublished categories go out to publish their work, like Francine Cunningham, Marie-Andrée Gill, Elaine McArthur, Smokii Sumac, Francine Merasty, Amanda Peters, and Cody Caetano.
We’ve noticed over the past few years, a notable increase in Indigenous writers be nominated for major literary prizes – in Canada and beyond, topping best seller lists, and being booked for high-profile opportunities.
What more needs to be done?
In 2025, we all know first-hand that we can’t become complacent and take for granted that the successes we have fought for will not be reversed. Certainly, the IVAs has supported a new generation of amazing talent. We need to continue to celebrate emerging Indigenous authors and integrate these work into our classrooms, to weave these stories into the public consciousness, so that no one will ever be able to say that they didn’t know Canada’s history, that they don’t know that there were nations who lived upon these lands before Canada claimed them.
How can our readers help?
Make a tax-deductible donation to the Indigenous Voices Awards through the Ontario Arts Foundation here – all donations go directly to the literary awards.
Buy, or borrow from your local library a copy of Carving Space: The Indigenous Voices Awards Anthology.
Follow and read and champion Indigenous writers!
Do you have any events coming up?
2025 IVAs recipients will be announced on Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. Visit our website for more information.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank does such important work. And according to its website, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank is honoured to be recognized as one of the Top 10 Canadian Impact Charities 2024 by Charity Intelligence!
