Kurt Wilson, writing as Bear Meawasige, a member of Serpent River First Nation, has been named the overall winner of Second Story Press’s 2025 Indigenous Writing Contest for his YA manuscript In the Long Shadows.

The annual contest is conducted in partnership with Goodminds.com, a First Nation-owned business based on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.

The two runners-up were Jennifer Petahtegoose, Elk Clan from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, for her picture book A Ribbon Skirt for Hannah, and Vanessa Cake, a member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, for her picture book Lyra’s Cedar Bath.

“This fantasy fiction, for a young adult audience, is beautifully descriptive, immersive, animated, and relational,” said juror Sandra Samatte about In the Long Shadows in the press release. “This is a powerful story of hope and resilience.”

The three-person jury was comprised of bestselling author Richard Van Camp, Sandra Samatte of GoodMinds.com, and Jordan Ryder, managing editor at Second Story Press.

The winner and runners up will receive an offer of publication from Second Story Press.