The Commissioner of Yukon is pleased to announce that the second recipient of the Borealis Prize is Joanna Lilley. A resident of Whitehorse, Yukon, Joanna has published five books, including a short story collection, three poetry collections and a novel. Joanna has worked tirelessly since 2006 connecting with the Yukon’s community of writers and promoting their work. She has contributed significantly to help forge a Yukon literary scene that is vibrant, creative and diverse.
I am happy to be handing out the Borealis Prize to Joanna Lilley, a great supporter of Yukon word artists. Joanna has been actively involved in the territory’s literary community since her arrival in the Yukon in 2006 and, for the last 15 years, has been an important player in the development of this creative field in our community.
Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard
Joanna is a fierce advocate of Yukon writers and the writing community in general. She has been connecting with Yukon’s community of writers and promoting their work tirelessly since 2006. Joanna has invested deeply in the Yukon writing community. We recognize Joanna Lilley’s outstanding contribution and exceptional commitment to the Yukon writing and publishing community.
BC and Yukon Book Prizes jury
The Borealis Prize was established in 2020 by the Honourable Angélique Bernard, Commissioners of the Yukon, in collaboration with the BC and Yukon Book Prizes, to recognize excellence in contributions by the writers, publishers, editors and literary community builders of the Yukon.
Recipients receive a bowl from Lumel Studios’ Aurora Borealis collection, a certificate and a cash prize of $500.
The first recipients were Patti Flather and Leonard Linklater who received their prize in September 2020.
Kerri Scholz
Private Secretary, Office of the Commissioner of Yukon
867-667-5121
kerri.scholz@yukon.ca