Cherie Dimaline Honored with 2025 NSK Neustadt Prize for Her Impact on Indigenous Storytelling

World Literature Today has announced that celebrated Métis author Cherie Dimaline has been awarded the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, one of the most distinguished international honors in its field.

Dimaline has long been a force in Indigenous literature and storytelling, reminding readers of the power that lives within story. Her acclaimed YA novel, The Marrow Thieves, became a cultural touchstone for Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike, blending dystopian fiction with the lived realities of colonial violence and resilience.

Dimaline’s literary influence reaches far beyond her own books. She is a mentor, a nurturer of emerging voices, and a tireless advocate for Indigenous writers. Her nomination came from Syrian Canadian author Danny Ramadan, reflecting the deep respect and admiration she inspires across communities and genres.

The NSK Neustadt Prize, presented in alternating years with the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, celebrates global excellence in children’s and young adult literature. This year’s announcement was made by Kathy Neustadt during the 2024 Neustadt Lit Fest at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

In a statement, Robert Con Davis-Undiano, Executive Director of World Literature Today, praised Dimaline’s achievement:

“It is a pleasure to see Cherie Dimaline receiving this recognition for her amazing writing career. Her inspired work will now reach an even larger reading community in the U.S. and around the world.”

This honor not only celebrates Dimaline’s body of work but also acknowledges the growing visibility of Indigenous voices in literature. It’s a well-earned recognition for a storyteller whose stories continue to shape and inspire the next generation of writers.