Dr. Thomas C. Gannon, the winner of the 2024 Stubbendieck Great Plains Distinguished Book Prize for “Birding While Indian: A Mixed-Blood Memoir” will speak at the Center for Great Plains Studies on Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m.

The Center’s book prize celebrates the most outstanding work about the Great Plains during the past year, chosen by an independent group of scholars.

Gannon is an Associate Professor of English and Ethnic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Associate Director of Ethnic Studies. This marks the first time the book prize has been awarded to a UNL faculty member and current Great Plains Fellow.

Gannon, an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, specializes in Native American literatures, critical/eco-theory, and the representations of birds and other non-human animals in discourse.

“Gannon’s book is billed as a mixed-blood memoir, but it deftly defies simple characterization. His is a true voice from the Great Plains, who has experienced both the thrilling beauty of the natural landscape and the quotidian ugliness of its inhabitants. Gannon writes from a liminal space, taking down literary genres, literary heroes, dominant historical narratives, racist place names, all with a wicked sense of humor, innovative structure, and engaging storytelling,” said Gabriel Bruguier (Yankton Sioux Tribe), a member of the book prize committee and Assistant Professor at University Libraries.

“Birding While Indian” (The Ohio State University Press, 2023) will be available for purchase during the event. This event is free and open to all. Parking is available in the Que Place parking garage.