Woodcock & Ryga Awards
July 14th, 2026
The annual George Woodcock and George Ryga Awards ceremony will take place at Vancouver Public Library’s Central Library on Friday, July 24, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., celebrating two British Columbia writers whose work has made significant contributions to literature and culture.
This year’s George Woodcock Award for Outstanding Literary Achievement in British Columbia will be presented to historian Barry Gough in recognition of his lifetime of scholarship. Born in Victoria, Gough is regarded as one of British Columbia’s foremost maritime historians and the author of numerous books exploring the history of the Pacific Northwest, including Fortune’s a River, Juan de Fuca’s Strait and The Elusive Mr. Pond. His latest book, Francis Drake and Nova Albion: Elizabeth Voyaging on the Far Side of the World (Harbour Publishing), is scheduled for release in November 2026.
The George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature will be presented to Vancouver poet, singer-songwriter and playwright Rodney DeCroo for Night Moves: The Street Photography of Rodney DeCroo. Born and raised in a coal mining town outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, DeCroo has released eight acclaimed albums, published three poetry collections, written two plays and expanded his creative practice through photography. Night Moves captures the people and places of Vancouver’s streets, reflecting the empathy and social awareness that characterize his work.
Sponsored by Yosef Wosk, the Writers’ Trust of Canada and the Pacific BookWorld News Society, the George Woodcock and George Ryga Awards recognize excellence in British Columbia writing and literary achievement. The July 24 ceremony is open to the public at the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Library.
RSVP: George Woodcock and Ryga Awards Ceremony
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