Appreciation is more than saying thank you. Still, it’s nice to say thanks to all of the Nation team. Because of them I feel lucky to come to work every day. In today’s world keeping a newspaper or magazine in business is more difficult than ever, but even after 25 years we are still going strong.
Our finance department does wonders to keep us in the black. Our sales are a result Danielle Valade’s dedication and hard work delivering what readers and clients need and deserve. Redesigning our website was a job and a half. Without the support of Dan Isaac and Matt Dessner, the vibrant design changes to the look of our magazine would never have happened. Our copy editors Lyle Stewart and Martin Siberok are a blessing as they fine-tune our writers’ stories. Planning a 25th anniversary celebration on top of all that was a job and a half with everyone and their dog pitching in.
Here at the Nation we have served the Cree Nation and its supporters with the printed word. And we feel we have helped to change the world by giving people the information they needed. Proof of that is in the fact the Nation has been nominated for no less than 16 Quebec Community Newspapers Awards this year.
The Nation is also in the running for Best Overall Newspaper. That’s a credit to the whole Nation team. We are up for Best Special Section for “A Generation of the Nation,” our special section commemorating our 25th anniversary. The Nation is also in the running for Best Ad with an advertisement called We Create Identities.
Individual awards for writers are as follows:
Best Feature Story: Martin Siberok – A new voice
Best Business Story: Amy German – From canvas to clothes
Best Investigative Reporting: Patrick Quinn – Follow the money and budget juggling
Best Sports Story: Patrick Quinn – Colour clash
Best Arts and Entertainment Story: (2) Joshua Grant – James Bay highway blues & André Simoneau – More than skin deep
Best Column Writing: Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash – Tea and Bannock
Bob Philips Award for Best Editorial (general); Will Nicholls – The Mechanics of Justice
Best Education Story: (2) Darya Marchenkova – Rescuing Cree & Patrick Quinn – A Narrow Lens
Best Community Health Story: Dan Isaac – “I’m only six years old, I can’t travel alone”
Best Photo Essay: Katie Webb and Matt Dessner – Mamoweedow Memories
Best Advertising Creation (Small Format): Jinheng Taing – Your Annual Report Should Be the Same
I’m constantly amazed by the work by everyone at the Nation does. Because of our team’s hard work, I’m confident that the Nation will eventually celebrate its 50th anniversary – and I hope to still be around for that one. For now, I thank everyone, from the readers to the team, for not only making the 25th year such a great one, but also for making the journey to get here such a positive and rewarding experience.