Victoria Celebrates Literary Excellence at 2025 Book Prizes

Victoria’s literary community came together on November 18, 2025, at Government House to honour the winners of the prestigious 2025 Victoria Book Prizes. This annual event, hosted by British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor, Wendy Cocchia, celebrates outstanding writers from the region, showcasing the depth and diversity of Greater Victoria’s literary talent.

Three authors were recognised for their exceptional contributions to literature, each receiving $5,000 as part of their accolades. Barbara Black was awarded the City of Victoria Book Prize for her collection, Little Fortified Stories. This work features imaginative and unconventional tales inspired by art, music, and family lore. Black’s literary prowess has gained international recognition; she recently travelled to Greece to accept the Grand Prize at the 2024 Eyelands Book Awards.

The City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize was presented to Uma Krishnaswami for her latest book, Birds on the Brain, which is a sequel to her acclaimed novel, Book Uncle and Me. The story follows young bird enthusiast Reeni as she mobilises her community to protect the city’s bird count. Following a recent trip to India, Krishnaswami also learned her new work has been shortlisted for the NEEV Literature Festival, further highlighting her impact on children’s literature.

In a notable achievement, Melanie Siebert received the inaugural DC Reid Poetry Book Prize for her collection, Signal Infinities. The book has been praised for its empathy and exploration of trauma and resilience. This marks Siebert’s second poetry collection; her debut, Deepwater Vee, was previously a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award in Poetry.

Community Engagement and Literary Celebration

Mayor Marianne Alto commended the award recipients, emphasising their vital role in enriching Victoria’s arts culture. “Victoria’s writers enrich our community with their creativity and insight,” she stated. “The book prizes remind us that our local literary scene is vibrant and inspiring.”

The awards ceremony concluded several days of community programming that featured the nine shortlisted authors. Events included a panel discussion at Camosun College and an evening of poetry at Caffe Fantastico, which brought together readers, students, and writers in celebration of local literature.

This year’s ceremony also marked the launch of the DC Reid Poetry Book Prize, a community-driven initiative acknowledging the significant contributions of poet and arts advocate DC Reid. Reid’s efforts have supported the Victoria Book Prizes and national literary programs, assisting poets facing financial difficulties through the Writers’ Trust of Canada.

The annual Victoria Book Prizes are open to writers residing in the Capital Regional District for at least two years. The awards benefit from a broad network of community partners, including local businesses, arts advocates, and the City of Victoria, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fuels the region’s literary landscape.