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Gwen
Benaway

Gwen Benaway was born in Huron Country and currently lives in Toronto. She was a finalist for the 2016 Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ Emerging Writers and won the 2019 Governor General’s Literary Award for English poetry.

Award History

Jury Citation

“Gwen Benaway’s first collection of poetry is truth telling in grace. An unflinching look at intergenerational trauma, Ceremonies of the Dead is a stellar contribution to contemporary Canadian poetry. Benaway digs deep and pulls you in, revealing light and love in the midst of violence. She is a poet to watch.” -- 2016 Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ Emerging Writers Jury (Anjula Gogia, Billeh Nickerson, and Casey Plett)

Works recognized by WT

Ceremonies for the Dead