Alicia Elliott, a Mohawk writer and editor who lives in Brantford, won the 2024 Amazon Canada First Novel Award during a ceremony on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Elliott, who was one of the finalists for the award presented by Amazon Canada and The Walrus, won for her work And Then She Fell, taking home $60,000 for her efforts.
And Then She Fell, is a mind-bending, compelling story that explores Indigenous culture, motherhood, and the mental health of a young Mohawk woman.
Since its inception in 1976, the First Novel Award program has helped launch the careers of some of Canada’s most renowned authors, like Michael Ondaatje, Joy Kogawa, and many more.
Amazon has been a sponsor since 2001 and has maintained administration of the award since 2009, co-presenting with The Walrus.