The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is pleased to announce that author Ivan Coyote is the recipient of the 2020 Freedom to Read Award. The award is presented annually by TWUC in recognition of work that is passionately supportive of the freedom to read. Past recipients include authors Jael Richardson, Deborah Campbell, Mohamed Fahmy, Lawrence Hill, and bookseller Janine Fuller.
The author of twelve books, Coyote has also released four short films and three audio albums combining storytelling with music. Coyote is recognized as a gifted and engaging storyteller whose deeply personal work examines class, gender identity, relationships, queer liberation, and social justice.
Ivan Coyote was nominated by a Canadian author who wrote:
“I would like to recommend Ivan Coyote. They have done amazing and long-term work, especially in schools, on the subject of bullying and discussing what it means to be transgender. The contents of their books are, to me, a testament to freedom — not only to read, but for every person to be themselves.”
February 23 to 29 is Freedom to Read Week in Canada: a national annual celebration that encourages Canadians to think deeply about and value their right to read, write, and publish freely. The week has become a regular feature of the annual programming of schools, libraries, and literary groups across Canada. Freedom to Read Week is a project of the Book and Periodical Council, the umbrella organization for publishing in Canada. TWUC is a proud partner and supporter of Freedom to Read Week.
For more information, please visit freedomtoread.ca.
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The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is the national organization of professionally published writers. TWUC was founded in 1973 to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers. Now over 2,100 members strong, TWUC promotes the rights, freedoms, and economic well-being of all writers. TWUC believes a lively and diverse literary culture is essential in defining Canada and its people. Learn more at writersunion.ca.
For additional information:
John Degen, Executive Director
The Writers’ Union of Canada
416.703.8982 ext. 221
DATE: February 24, 2020
