Four Canadian aboriginal artists receive Prince and Princess Edward Prize. (News from Canada Council).

On the 10 November 1999, The Canada Council for the Arts announced that Dan David (Ottawa, Ontan'o), Connie Fife (Vancouver, British Columbia) Walter Nanawin (Wassagamak, Manitoba) and Anna Marie Sewell (Edmonton, Alberta) are the four winners of the Prince and Princess Edward Prize in Aboriginal Literature.

The one-time prize, made through a special grant of $15,000 to the Canada Council, was the Government of Canada s gift 'in honour of the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Edward and Miss Sophie Rhys-jones. The peer selection committee for the Council's Aboriginal Literature -- Written and Spoken Word program chose these artists as the best two established and the best two emerging authors who applied to the 1999 competition.. The two established and the best two emerging authors who applied to the 1999 competition. The two established authors, Dan David and Connie Fife, received $5,000. each, in addition to their regular grant. The two emerging authors, Walter Nanawin and Anna Marie Sewell, received $2,500. each.

Dan David is a respected writer and teacher with 20 years of experience in print, radio and television. The jury noted the excellence of his writing, 'in particular his current work on the aftermath of the Oka Crisis.

Connie Fife

Poet and writer Connie Fife has inspired and influenced many emerging Aboriginal writers. Her pen is fearless the jury commented, and she has consistently used the power of the word to break through the barriers of injustice and intolerance.

Walter Nanawin

Fluent in five languages, Walter Nanawin is a respected storyteller and a walking encyclopedia of the timeless oral traditions of the Cree and Ojibwe of northern Manitoba. His talent is now emerging, the jury felt, in writing and television performance.

Anna Marie Sewell

Anna Mane Sewell is a writer, theatre artist and poet. The jury commented that she is at heart a contemporary traveller whose perceptive eye offers a refreshing take on a world that, in the real and the electronic sense, is increasingly nomadic.

The Prince and Princess Edward Prize in Aboriginal Literature reflects the Prince's interest in offering a one-time award that would benefit Canadian artists.