Jenna Timmons-Oikawa Wins CBC Nonfiction Prize
The Ottawa writer earned the award for an essay exploring her mother’s history during the Sixties Scoop.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Canada
Jenna Timmons-Oikawa has been awarded the CBC Nonfiction Prize for her essay titled Wawa Indian. The work details the author's journey to reclaim her Indigenous identity after learning of her mother's experience during the Sixties Scoop.
Why it matters
The prize highlights stories of personal and cultural reclamation that address the intergenerational trauma caused by systemic policies in Canada. By documenting these histories, the work sheds light on the lived experiences of families affected by the removal of Indigenous children.
The CBC Nonfiction Prize includes a $6,000 cash award and a two-week artist residency at Leighton Artist Studios located at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. This follows the author's previous recognition as the first runner-up for Canadian prose in The Temz Review London Literary Prizes.
The players
Jenna Timmons-Oikawa
She is an Ottawa-based writer and the winner of the 2026 CBC Nonfiction Prize.
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
It is a learning organization in Alberta that hosts the Leighton Artist Studios.
The details
Timmons-Oikawa researched her family history following a 2021 phone call with her mother regarding the Sixties Scoop, which saw more than 22,000 Indigenous children removed from their homes in Canada between the 1960s and late 1980s. Her winning essay chronicles the complex process of reconnecting with her Indigenous roots.
Timeline
The Sixties Scoop occurred in Canada from the 1960s to the late 1980s.
The writer spoke with her mother by phone in 2021.
The CBC Nonfiction Prize winner was announced in October 2026.
Submissions for the 2027 CBC Short Story Prize remain open until November 1, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The essay frames the writer's journey within the context of the Sixties Scoop in Canada, providing a contemporary perspective on a historical period. This narrative follows a pattern set by recent literature focusing on the intergenerational trauma caused by the government-led removal of Indigenous children.
Writers interested in Canadian literary competitions can prepare for the upcoming 2027 CBC Short Story Prize submission deadline. Entries are limited to a maximum of 2,500 words.
The takeaway
Stories that document personal history provide a vital look at the long-term impact of national policies on families. Readers interested in non-fiction can engage with these narratives to better understand the diverse experiences of identity reclamation in Canada.
What happens next
The 2027 CBC Short Story Prize will continue to accept submissions until November 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the cultural landscape by visiting the Canada section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBC News.
