Eden Robinson, a teacher and author of internationally recognized works such as Traplines and Monkey Beach, is the new Writer in Residence at the University of Northern British Columbia. Robinson, who grew up in Kitimaat Village near Kitimat, assumed the role of UNBC’s third Writer in Residence this week.

Media Download: UNBC Writer in Residence, Eden Robinson.

“I’m very happy to be here at UNBC to work with students and writers of all ages,” says Robinson, whose works have been nominated for the Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Award. She also won the Ethel Wilson BC Book Prize in 2001 for Monkey Beach. “I’m looking forward to travelling throughout the region and discussing my work and the craft of writing, and to seeing all of the great works produced by artists in Northern BC.”

During her residency, Robinson will be working on her own writing projects, including a romance novel and collection of short stories, and will hold readings, talks, and workshops in Prince George and at UNBC’s regional campuses. She will also be available to provide consultations with writers, including UNBC students, faculty, staff, and members of the Northern BC community.

Aside from writing, Robinson is a teacher at the Centre for American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and evaluates manuscripts on a freelance basis.

A welcome reading and reception is planned at UNBC for September 12 from 4pm to 6pm, and Robinson will make her first visit to a UNBC regional campus next week when she visits the Terrace campus for readings and workshops.

This residency has been made possible by funding from Canada Council for the Arts and UNBC’s Office of the Vice President of Research.