UNBC History professor William Morrison and two former UNBC’ers have been awarded the Donner Prize, Canada’s top literature award for public policy, for their book: Arctic Front: Defending Canada in the Far North.

Dr. Morrison, along with the University’s founding Vice-President Academic Ken Coates, former Political Science professor Greg Poelzer, and Waterloo professor P. Whitney Lackenbauer, were presented with the award at a gala awards dinner at the famous Carlu Building in Toronto.

The work concerns the challenges facing the Arctic region, and the urgent political, environmental, and economic realities of the 21st century.

“An integrated volume by four of Canada’s leading Northern specialists, each author’s expertise has enriched the text; a very useful, topical and policy-relevant book. Unquestionably, this book deals with a subject of major public importance and interest,” said Jury Chairman Grant Reuber. “This is a substantial and accessible book that should be widely read by everyone interested in an insightful introduction to this subject.”

The authors were awarded the $35,000 prize for the work, published by Thomas Allen Publishers. They were also presented with a Claire Brunet brass sculpture that has been a part of the Donner Prize since its inception in 1998.

“I’m truly honoured. It’s fantastic to be recognized by your peers in such a manner,” said Dr. Morrison. “Canada’s greatest resource is the North and hopefully this award will help bring more attention to the area.”

The other nominated titles, received $5,000 each. Last year’s winner was David E. Smith for his book The People’s House of Commons: Theories of Democracy in Contention.