Giller winner Boyden embraces heritage

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Publication: Winnipeg Free Press

Date: 2008-11-23 00:00:00

Although he has published two novels with aboriginal protagonists, and identifies with aboriginal spirituality, this year's Giller Prize winner, Joseph Boyden, says he is no "Indian wannabe."

"I have one-eighth aboriginal blood, the same amount as Louis Riel," says the acclaimed Ontario-born writer who teaches at the University of New Orleans.

"It's a small but incredibly important part of who I am."

Important enough that almost all his important fiction to date has focused on aboriginal themes.

Boyden, 42, made his mark in 2005 with the ...

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