Duff Roblin Professor of Government, University of Manitoba Institute for the Humanities, and Department of Political Studies Present: 2025 J.W. Dafoe Book Prize winner Gerald Friesen!
All are welcome to join us on November 17, 11:30 – 1:00 pm, 108 Cross Common Room, in St. John’s College for lunch and conversation on The Honourable John Norquay: Indigenous Premier, Canadian Statesman.
Recounted here by Canadian historian Gerald Friesen, John Norquay’s life story ignites contemporary conversations around the nature of empire and Canada’s own imperial past. This masterful biography of the Premier from Red River sheds welcome light on a neglected historical figure and a tumultuous time for Canada and Manitoba.
Gerald Friesen taught Canadian history at the University of Manitoba from 1970–2011. He has written several books, including The Canadian Prairies: A History and Citizens and Nation, and is co-author of Immigrants in Prairie Cities. Former president of the Canadian Historical Association, he was an advisor on CBC-Radio Canada’s television series Canada: A People’s History.
In addition to the J.W. Dafoe Book Prize, The Honourable John Norquay has won a CLIO History Prize, Manitoba Day Award, and Margaret McWilliams Award.