The Many Names of Robert Cree, publisher supplied photo
FORT McMURRAY — Elder Robert Cree’s memoir continues to earn recognition on the literary awards circuit, capturing the 2026 Alberta Literary Award for Best Memoir.
The honour was announced during the Writers’ Guild of Alberta’s annual awards gala in Edmonton this past weekend.
The award adds to a growing list of accolades for The Many Names of Robert Cree: How a First Nations Chief Brought Ancient Wisdom to Big Business and Prosperity to His People, which chronicles Cree’s experiences in residential school, his personal journey of healing and his efforts to bring Indigenous teachings into the corporate world.
The memoir previously received a bronze medal in the memoir-biography category at the 2026 Axiom Business Book Awards and was named a finalist for the 2026 Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence.
Cree, a member of Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, said he hopes the book encourages readers to reflect on reconciliation and Indigenous teachings.
Written with author Therese Greenwood and published by ECW Press, the memoir recounts Cree’s childhood experiences within Canada’s residential school system and follows his later work as a chief, Elder and advocate for reconciliation.
The book also explores how Cree brought traditional Indigenous values and perspectives into discussions with business leaders and the resource sector while working to create opportunities for his community.
Industry publication Publishers Weekly described the memoir as an “affecting, hard-won testament to the power of perseverance.”
The memoir is available in print, e-book and audiobook formats. The audiobook is narrated by Lorne Cardinal.
Established in 1982, the Alberta Literary Awards recognize excellence in writing by Alberta authors across a range of genres including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama and memoir.
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