Joanna Cockerline is a multi-faceted individual, working as a lecturer in creative studies at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, during the day, and as a non-profit founder and street outreach worker during the night. Recently, she has garnered attention as a Giller Prize-nominated author with her debut novel, “Still,” which has been selected as one of the 14 Canadian books on the prestigious literary award’s longlist.
Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Cockerline shared her awe at being considered among the top books in Canada, alongside authors whom she deeply respects. Her novel, released on September 1, delves into the life of 18-year-old Kayla, a young woman surviving on the streets of Kelowna, B.C., a community Cockerline is intimately familiar with due to her extensive work with the city’s homeless population through the grassroots initiative, Just Us Street Outreach.
Engaged in distributing essential supplies like hygiene products, warm clothing, and harm reduction kits, Just Us also provides invaluable emotional support on an individual basis. Cockerline emphasized the importance of community care and recognizing the humanity in every individual, especially those often overlooked in society.
The women she assists in her outreach work have shown immense support for her book, feeling validated and understood through its pages. In “Still,” Kayla’s narrative unfolds as she navigates the challenges of street life and searches for her missing friend, Little Zoe, leading to profound reflections on her past and the community she is part of.
Cockerline’s aspiration for her book is to foster empathy and hope, revealing beauty and joy even in the midst of adversity. The Giller Prize, a prominent accolade celebrating excellence in Canadian fiction, carries a substantial $250,000 cash award for the winner. The shortlist announcement is scheduled for October 6, with the final winner to be revealed in November.
The much-anticipated 2025 Giller Prize award ceremony will be broadcast on Monday, November 17, at 6 p.m. PT across various platforms, including CBC TV, CBC Gem, YouTube, CBC Radio One, and CBC Listen.
