Shayla Stonechild, championing A Two-Spirit Journey by Ma-Nee Chacaby, wins Canada Reads 2025
After a grueling few days of intense debates, Shayla Stonechild emerged victorious as the winner of Canada Reads 2025. Stonechild championed the book “A Two-Spirit Journey” by Ma-Nee Chacaby, with Mary Louisa Plummer, which ultimately survived the elimination vote on March 20, 2025. The theme of this year’s competition was “one book to change the narrative,” and Stonechild successfully argued that “A Two-Spirit Journey” best embodied this concept.
In “A Two-Spirit Journey,” Ma-Nee Chacaby, an Ojibwa-Cree lesbian, shares her powerful story of overcoming abuse and alcohol addiction to become a counselor and lead Thunder Bay’s first gay pride parade. Stonechild, a podcaster and wellness advocate, was visibly emotional upon learning of her win, attributing her success to a recent four-day fast she underwent before the competition. She expressed her belief in the transformative power of personal growth and connection to one’s cultural roots.
Stonechild encouraged Canadians to take action and open their hearts, drawing parallels between Chacaby’s journey and the importance of unity and support within communities. Chacaby, in a press statement, expressed her gratitude for the support she received throughout the competition and hoped that her book would inspire others to share their own stories and embrace self-love.
The runner-up in this year’s Canada Reads was “Dandelion” by Jamie Chai Yun Liew, championed by pastry chef Saïd M’Dahoma. The novel explores themes of family secrets, migration, and mental illness as the protagonist, Lily, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her missing mother. Despite a valiant effort, “Dandelion” fell short in a 3-2 vote against “A Two-Spirit Journey” on the final day of the competition.
Stonechild, a Red River Métis and Nehiyaw iskwew (Plains Cree woman), is known for her work in amplifying Indigenous voices through her Matriarch Movement platform. Her thoughtful insights and well-researched arguments during the debates showcased her strong perspective and advocacy for vulnerable storytelling. Stonechild praised the power of vulnerability in “A Two-Spirit Journey,” emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and healing from past traumas.
Overall, the 2025 Canada Reads competition was a celebration of diverse voices and powerful storytelling. Ma-Nee Chacaby’s triumph with “A Two-Spirit Journey” highlighted the resilience and strength of Indigenous narratives, while Shayla Stonechild’s passionate advocacy brought attention to the importance of embracing vulnerability and unity within communities. As the winner of Canada Reads 2025, Stonechild and Chacaby’s collaborative work serve as a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring impact of sharing one’s truth.
