'Valley of the Birdtail' by Andrew Stobo Sniderman (JD 2014) and Prof Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) shortlisted for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing

Administered by the Writers’ Trust of Canada, the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing is awarded annually for an exceptional book of literary nonfiction that captures a political subject of relevance to Canadian readers.

Five books have been shortlisted for this year's $25,000 prize, including Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation (HarperCollins 2022), co-authored by Andrew Stobo Sniderman (JD 2014) and Professor Douglas Sanderson (JD 2003) (Amo Binashii), Prichard Wilson Chair in Law & Public Policy at U of T Law. 

"A heart-rending true story about racism and reconciliation" their book, Valley of the Birdtail, "follows multiple generations of two families, one white and one Indigenous, and weaves their lives into the larger story of Canada."

The jury citation reads:

"As Canada grapples with a difficult history of residential schools and discrimination against Indigenous peoples, Andrew Stobo Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) tell a moving story that educates and provides potential paths to reconciliation. Valley of the Birdtail not only elicits empathy, but also moves us to action, shedding a shining light on our individual responsibility to respect each other’s humanity. This is a masterfully written and accessible book which will resonate well beyond Canada as we work toward policies that create a better future for all." — 2023 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize Jury (Terri E. Givens, Nik Nanos, and Jacques Poitras)

The Shaughnessy Cohen Prize winner will be announced May 10 in Ottawa at Politics and the Pen, a celebration of Canadian political and literary cultures.

Read U of T News: “A gripping story about terrible wrongs”: U of T Law grad and prof draw lessons for Canada in new book

Read: A roadmap to reconciliation gifted to law students with donor support