Alaska author and writer Erin Kirkland has been awarded a Silver Medal in the prestigious North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) Awards. The competition, now in its 27th year, honors the “best of the best” in travel media.

“The winners are a microcosm of the talent and journalistic excellence that encapsulates our industry leading members,” said Helen Hernandez, CEO, NATJA. ”As our membership continues to grow so do the submissions of the accomplished pool of those who work in the travel industry—raising the competitiveness and prestige of the annual NATJA Awards.”

Kirkland’s story for the Anchorage Daily News, titled “McCarthy area offers tempting mix of history, adventure” was selected among hundreds of other entries in the Family Travel - Print category. A second story in the Lifestyle, Personality, and Profiles category, “High On Denali, the Sheldon Legacy Continues” for the Anchorage Daily News was selected for Honorable Mention among the likes of writers published in The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, and The Globe and Mail. The works were Kirkland’s first submissions to the NATJA awards.

“To be among so many distinguished names in the travel journalism space is such an honor, and carries forward my resolve to tell the stories of Alaska and its people,” she said.

Founded in 1991, NATJA is a travel journalism industry leader that fosters high quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional program benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure to the general public.

Kirkland’s website, AKontheGO.com, is Alaska’s only resource dedicated to family travel. She is author of two travel guides, "Alaska On the Go: Exploring the 49th state with children" and "Alaska On the Go: Exploring the Alaska Marine Highway with children." She is also a columnist for the Anchorage Daily News.