June Callwood wins intellectual freedom award from Canadian Library Association

We'd like to acknowledge that longtime magazine writer and activist June Callwood has been named the 2006 recipient of the Award for the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada, presented by the Canadian Library Association (CLA). You can read the CLA's June 8 press release here.

“Long before they were safe or fashionable, June Callwood was a courageous and principled pioneer in many social justice causes, especially those involving children and women,” says CLA President Barbara Clubb. “Her efforts have paved the way for others to follow.”

Callwood made her name originally as a feature writer for Maclean's magazine and has written for many Canadian publications as well as being a frequent interviewee on radio and television. But her journalism career has in recent years been somewhat overshadowed by her passionate advocacy work. She is a founding member of many social justice organizations and associations such as the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC), the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, PEN Canada, Feminists Against Censorship and the Writers' Union of Canada.

She has helped found Digger House, a safe haven for homeless youngsters; Nellie's Hostel for Women, a nonprofit organization for women and children in crisis; Jessie’s Centre for Teenagers, a drop- in centre for teenage mothers; and Casey House, the first hospice in Canada to provide support and palliative care for people with HIV/AIDS.

[Thanks to the PWAC blog for reminding us of this honour.]