Friday, March 16, 2001

WILMINGTON, NC – Dr. David La Vere, associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, received the 2001 Oklahoma Book Award for Non-fiction for Contrary Neighbors: Southern Plains and Removed Indians in Indian Territory.

“Indian Territory eventually became the state of Oklahoma, so I am very honored for my book to be recognized as the best non-fiction in Oklahoma,” La Vere said.

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Center for the Book, a state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book, the award recognizes outstanding Oklahoman authors or works about the state. La Vere’s book was selected from 12 finalists and from more than 120 submissions in the non-fiction category. Additional categories included children/young adult, poetry, fiction and design/illustration.

The award was presented during the 12th annual Oklahoma Book Awards ceremony March 10 in Oklahoma City.

Contrary Neighbors examines the interactions between the Southeastern Indian tribes relocated over the “Trail of Tears” with the Plains Indians who were living in the territory.

The Oklahoma Center for the Book promotes the literary heritage of the state and encourages reading for pleasure by citizens of all ages.

For more information, contact Dr. La Vere at 910/962-3315.