A jubilant Joseph Boyden nabbed the $50,000 Scotiabank Giller Prize on Tuesday night for his second novel "Through Black Spruce," saying he wants his win to inspire native youngsters to pursue their artistic dreams.

"I hope that it gives any aboriginal kid the idea that if he wants to write, or she wants to act or he wants to sing, or she wants to rap, you've got to do it," said the Toronto-raised Boyden, who makes his home in New Orleans.

"It's time to express yourselves."

"Through Black Spruce" is a portrait of contemporary aboriginal life and family struggles that ensue after a beautiful young woman goes missing.

Boyden, who has Irish, Scottish and Metis roots, burst onto the literary scene in 2005 with his debut novel, "Three Day Road," which told the story of Cree snipers who fought in the First World War.

The author -- who teaches at the University of New Orleans -- was emotional as he accepted the lucrative award, which he said would allow him to continue to push his literary goals.

"It means that I am allowed to continue writing and I will always write about the First Nations of Canada and I will always celebrate and be behind the First Nations of Canada," he said.

"And I will always push the message that we need to heal."

This year's Giller judging panel was made up of authors Margaret Atwood and Colm Toibin and politician Bob Rae.

Atwood called "Through Black Spruce" -- which is published by Viking Canada/Penguin Group -- a "terrific book" with a "great plot," "wonderful characters" and "tricky situations."

The runners-up, who each receive $5,000, were Montreal writer Rawi Hage for "Cockroach"; Marina Endicott of Cochrane, Alta., for "Good to a Fault"; Guelph, Ont., resident Mary Swan for "The Boys in the Trees"; and Toronto writer Anthony De Sa, for the short story collection, "Barnacle Love."

Created by businessman Jack Rabinovitch in memory of his late wife, literary journalist Doris Giller, the prize has become the biggest Canadian book bash of the year.

Shortlisted titles usually receive a boost in sales while the authors receive some rare media exposure.

Tory McNally, co-owner of McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg, says the annual televised literary bash is like Canada's "mini-Academy Awards."

"It makes a big difference to our authors to be celebrated," McNally said earlier Tuesday from Winnipeg as she prepared to host a Giller bash at her store.

"There are tons of customers who come in and read the Giller list."

On Tuesday, as always, the guest list was a glittering one.

Actor Albert Schultz and opera star Measha Brueggergosman mingled with literary luminaries such as Alice Munro and Atwood, as well as high-profile media types including Knowlton Nash and Pamela Wallin.

Those in attendance enjoyed a dinner of slow roasted beef tenderloin and mustard seed spatzle with roasted beets and French beans before the televised show began.

Last year's winner, novelist Elizabeth Hay, said her year as the reigning Giller champ has been a wild one.

"I'm actually happy to turn back into a pumpkin," she said shortly before Boyden's win was announced.

"It's been a long celebration. But I can't say I've been very productive as a writer."

"Canada AM" host Seamus O'Regan presided over the festivities, which were broadcast live on Bravo and are set to air Wednesday on CTV.

Past winners of the Giller Prize include Atwood, Munro, Michael Ondaatje and the late Mordecai Richler.