Michel Noël (writer) facts for kids
Matchewan Noël (born August 17, 1944 – died April 12, 2021) was a talented Canadian writer. He was from the Algonquin people, an Indigenous group in Canada. Matchewan Noël grew up in the Outaouais region of Quebec. He was known for his amazing stories, poems, and plays.
Matchewan Noël was born in Messines. He spent his childhood in the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve and near Maniwaki and Abitibi in Quebec. He loved learning! He earned a teaching degree from the École normale de Hull. Later, he got two more degrees, a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts, from Laval University. In 1983, he earned his PhD. His special research was about the food traditions of First Nations people in the 16th and 17th centuries.
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Working for Culture and Community
From 1977 to 1980, Matchewan Noël worked for the Quebec Ministry of Culture. He was in charge of arts and crafts. He continued to work in different roles for the government. His last job there was helping with matters related to First Nations. This shows he cared deeply about his community and culture.
A Gifted Writer
Matchewan Noël wrote many different kinds of books. He wrote novels, poetry, and stories, especially for young people. He also wrote plays and articles for magazines.
In the 1980s, he wrote a popular series of books called Les Papinachois. These stories were based on traditional First Nations tales. He also narrated, or told the stories, for several films. Matchewan Noël loved to share his knowledge. He led workshops in schools and universities. He also spoke at many conferences about First Nations issues.
Awards and Recognition
Matchewan Noël received many important awards for his work.
- In 2003, France made him a chevalier (a special honor) in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. This was for helping to promote French language and culture.
- In 1998, the United Nations Association in Canada called him a Global Citizen. This award recognized his work for the world community.
- In 2008, he won the Prix Saint-Exupéry in the Francophonie category. This award celebrates books for young people.
- Quebec honored him in 2011. He was named a chevalier in the National Order of Quebec.
- In 2012, he was a finalist for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. This is one of the biggest awards for children's and young adult literature in the world.
Selected Books for Young Readers
Here are some of Matchewan Noël's well-known books:
- Pien (1996): This youth fiction book won the Governor General's Award for French-language children's literature in 1997.
- La ligne de trappe (1998): This book received the Prix Alvine-Bélisle.
- Journal d’un bon à rien (1999): This book was translated into English as Good for nothing (2004). It won the Geoffrey Bilson Award.
- Hiver indien (2001)
- Le Kitchimanitou (2003)
- Hush! Hush! (2004)
- Nishka (2009): This book was a finalist for a Governor General's Award.
- À la recherche du bout du monde (2012): This book won the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award.
- Métis (2019)
See also
In Spanish: Michel Noël para niños
