Indigenous author Helen Knott’s book up for Governor General’s literary award

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John-based author Helen Knott has been nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Awards presented by the Canadian Council for the Arts.

According to a press release dated Tuesday, October 8th, the Indigenous poet and writer has been named a finalist in the non-fiction category for her memoir, entitled “Becoming a Matriarch.”

In her debut book “In My Own Mocassins,” Knott spoke of her experiences with addiction, intergenerational trauma, and the wounds of sexual violence.  

In “Becoming a Matriarch,” she speaks upon themes of grief, love, and legacy.  Losing both her mother and grandmother over six months, Knott is “forced to navigate the fine lines of matriarchy, martyrdom and codependency.”

Earlier this year, Knott said on Banyen Books and Sound’s podcast the book had allowed her to connect with others in a “real way.”

“I hadn’t expected to meet with people who had suffered recent losses or grief,” said Knott. “I found I was holding space or connecting with people who had experienced losses recently.”

“In Toronto, I met with someone who said, ‘My mom just passed away a month ago,’ or ‘This is the anniversary of the loss of this person in my life.’ I had a lot of real moments.  I’m always grateful for those moments of connection.”

With Dane-Zaa, Nehiyaw, Métis, and European ancestry, Knott says one of her most significant influences is the land around her, calling it “vital to her wellness.”

“Watching a sunset will help me stay well,” said Knott. “The land spaces that we come from shape us, as well as the stories that come out of us.”

The Governor General’s Literary Awards were established in 1936. They recognize the best in seven literary categories in English and French, including Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (text and illustration), and translated works. 

Award winners will be announced on Wednesday, November 13th. 

 A complete list of nominees is available here.