Saskatchewan author honoured with lifetime achievement award

A Saskatchewan born writer and one of Canada's most renowned authors is being awarded with the province's highest honour in the arts. 

Guy Vanderhaeghe is the recipient of the 2013 Lieutenant Governor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. 

"To find myself in the company of previous recipients, distinguished artists whose work has reflected and shaped the rich culture of our province and helped to make others beyond the borders of Saskatchewan acquainted with it, is a very great and humbling honour for me," said Vanderhaeghe in a press release.

Vanderhaeghe has earned numerous awards and prizes for his literary work including the Governor General’s Award for Fiction and the UK’s Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize for his first book, Man Descending.

His novel, The Last Crossing, was the winner of CBC’s Canada Reads Competition, the Canadian Booksellers Libris Award, and three Saskatchewan Book Awards.

"He is one of the most decorated literary artists in Canada today, and his historical novels and stories resonate with audiences worldwide," said Byrna Barclay, chair of the Saskatchewan Arts Board.

"Although his fame is international, he chooses to stay in Saskatchewan, where the light and land continue to inspire him. We will be thrilled to present him with this prestigious honour."

The award consists of a $10,000 cash prize and limited-edition bronze sculpture by Joe Fafard.

Vanderhaeghe finished a master of arts degree in history from the University of Saskatchewan before graduating with a bachelor of education from the University of Regina.

Currently he balances a full-time writing career with teaching.

Vanderhaeghe will be presented with the award on Sept. 25 at a gala held by the Saskatchewan Arts Board.