In memoriam Greg Younging

We, members of the Association of Canadian University Presses (ACUP) /Association des presses universitaires canadiennes (APUC), pay deep tribute to the work and ongoing legacy of the late Dr. Gregory Younging, Opaskwayak Cree Nation. An accomplished poet, publisher, and academic, Greg worked as managing editor with Theytus Books from 1990 to 2004 and then again as publisher from 2015 until his death in May 2019.

After obtaining his Ph.D. from the Department of Educational Studies at University of British Columbia, Greg became an assistant professor at UBC Okanagan campus where he was central to the development of an Indigenous Studies program. In 2010, Greg began a part-time secondment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, serving for two intensely demanding years as the assistant director of research, overseeing major projects and helping to author three national reports.

Greg was a strong advocate for decolonizing publishing in Canada and for developing the ways and means to support and enhance Indigenous editorial agency. In early 2018 he released his book, Elements of Indigenous Style (Brush Education, Inc.), providing clear and thoughtful guidance not only on matters of cultural expression and respectful publishing practices, but also on the importance of building community relationships and trust.

We have learned much from Greg—admired his generous spirit and kindness, benefited from his time and energy, and taken due note of his singular intellectual and professional commitment to raising the voice and profile of Indigenous writers in this country. This commitment must, and will, be honoured.