Joseph Boyden

The Hnatyshyn Foundation, a private charity supporting and promoting the arts, has announced a new series of awards for First Nations artists in Canada in six categories, including literature.

The REVEAL Indigenous Art Awards will offer 150 prizes of $10,000 in 2017, with a jury of peers determining winners in the areas of dance, music, theatre, literature, film/video (media arts), and visual arts/fine crafts.

Honorary patrons of the awards include Joseph Boyden, author of The Orenda, and journalist and writer Waubgeshig Rice.

“The Indigenous Art Awards are a hugely significant contribution to our country’s continuing dialogue,” Boyden said in a release. “These awards recognize that First Nations, Inuit, and Metis art is not just a cornerstone of Canada’s identity, but vital threads to its very fibre. I’m honoured to be involved in helping spread the message.”

Submissions will be accepted March 1 to June 1.