ABPBC Establishes Greg Younging Undergraduate Award at Simon Fraser University

The Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia (ABPBC) and Simon Fraser University have announced the creation of the Greg Younging Undergraduate Award in Publishing Studies, providing financial support for Indigenous publishers-in-training.

The award was launched in honour of Dr. Gregory Younging (1961-2019), publisher of Theytus Books and member of the ABPBC board of directors. Dr. Younging, a member of Northern Manitoba's Opaskwayak Cree Nation, served as Assistant Director of Research for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and was a powerful advocate for Indigenous publishers and creators across Canada. His 2018 manual The Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing by and about Indigenous Peoples has since become a definitive resource for North American publishers working with Indigenous creators and content, and he was honoured the same year with the Gray Campbell Distinguished Service Award for his advocacy in the field of Indigenous Canadian publishing. A graduate of Simon Fraser University's Master of Publishing Program in 2000, he later taught at the school as an adjunct professor.

At least one award with a minimum value of $1000 will be granted per year, during any term, to an undergraduate student who:

• is enrolled full-time during the term of eligibility;
• has declared a minor in Print and Digital Publishing;
• is in good academic standing;
• is Indigenous; and
• has been actively involved in community service.

“We appreciate the support of Greg’s family for this initiative, in particular his parents, George Ing and his mother, the late Dr. Rosalyn Ing,” said Heidi Waechtler, executive director of the Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia. “We are proud to be able to recognize Greg’s life and legacy in this way, and to help carry on the work he did to support emerging publishing professionals.”

Additional donations to the Greg Younging Undergraduate Award in Publishing at SFU can be made through Simon Fraser University’s Advancement Department.