Lynn Johnston's syndicate Universal has released news that the cartoonist won the 2004 Debwewin Citation for Excellence in Aboriginal-issues journalism. Johnston received the award for a storyline whereby the character of Elizabeth teaches in a northern Canadian Indian community. The story has been going on for several years, says the syndicate, but only more recently came to the attention of the Union of Ontario Indians, who give out the award.
The popular strip, which many believe Johnston will choose to end sometime in the next few years, was praised for depictions that avoided stereotypes. The prize, given last December, is a specially mounted feather.
