Linda Johnson

Winner of the Borealis Prize: Commissioner of Yukon Award for Literary Excellence

Linda Johnson has lived and worked in the traditional territories of Yukon First Nations since 1974. As a historian and archivist, she has been guided by First Nations Elders and culture bearers, along with other long-time northern residents to seek fresh perspectives on Indigenous and northern research sources, issues and events. Linda comes from a Canadian immigrant family, with Scottish ancestry on her mother’s side dating from the 1780s in New Brunswick and Swedish heritage on her father’s side from the 1880s in Manitoba. Born and raised in Ottawa, she was deeply influenced by oral traditions shared by her maternal relatives. Linda’s travels in the mountain landscapes of Yukon, Alaska, British Columbia and the NWT have shaped her sense of continuity and change, the interplay between people and environments, and the urgent need for climate awareness and action.

Jurors: Jacqueline Bedard, Gùdia Mary Jane Johnson, and Colin Wolf

Statement from the jury “Linda Johnson has made significant contributions to researching, writing, and providing leadership and mentorship in profiling the Yukon’s history through a number of notable publications. Some of these include The Kandik Map: Cultural Exchange Along the Yukon River; Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s publication Dä̀ Kwandür Ghày Ghàkwändür: Our Stories in Our Words; Whitehorse: An Illustrated History; and Lhù’ààn Mân Keyí Dän Kwánje Nààtsat: Kluane Lake Country People Speak Strong.

Choosing a recipient for this award was challenging, as there were many strong nominations, each reflecting meaningful contributions to the Yukon. However, the jury was unanimous in selecting Linda Johnson. Her passion for the Yukon, its people, and its history is evident in all of her work. We wholeheartedly congratulate Linda on her many decades of dedication to documenting and preserving the Yukon’s rich history.”