Journal receives national honours for storytelling

An Edmonton Journal and Edmonton Sun feature about a Broadway-bound play making an unlikely debut in Edmonton and storytelling focused on what it means to become Canadian earned honours Tuesday from the Society of Features Journalism.

The U.S.-based organization focuses on “the craft of writing and innovation in lifestyle, arts and entertainment journalism” and offers annual awards to recognize the best in feature writing. In the category of Best Section, the Journal’s feature sections — You and Insight — received an honourable mention in the Division 1 circulation category.

Arts writer Liane Faulder received top honours in the Division 1 Arts & Entertainment feature category for her work explaining how the new musical Hadestown wound up making its first appearance at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre.

A package of stories by columnist Paula Simons and reporter Clare Clancy marking the 50th anniversary of a shift in Canadian immigration policy that changed the face of Canada received thirdplace recognition in the Division 1 Diversity in Digital Features category.

The project, which included profiles of pioneering immigrants and their families who moved to Canada under the new system, included a personal story by editorin-chief Mark Iype. His parents were among the thousands of professionals who arrived in Canada under the new “points” policy.

Reporters Emma Graney and Juris Graney received an honourable mention in the Division 1 Short Feature category for their lighthearted, but sincere, first-person story recounting their efforts to become Canadian citizens and what it meant to finally take the oath of citizenship last November.

“We know our readers expect us to dig deeper into issues and stories,” Iype said. “The awardwinning sections and features do just that, showing a breadth of coverage that brings personal stories, commentary and explanatory writing together. I’m proud of the features recognized today by the SFJ.”