A dozen young writers are being honoured for their creativity, including a Walpole Island resident.
The James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Awards were announced recently, recognizing six indigenous students per year.
The award was established in 2008, but has not been handed out for the past few years.
This past weekend, the honourees for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 were announced, including Asia Nahdee-Wagner in the 2021 Senior On-Reserve category for her poem Self Love: Kindness Through the Eyes of an Anishinaabekwe.
The annual award honours Indigenous junior (12 years old and younger) and senior (13 to 18 years old) students enrolled at an Ontario school for their creative writing talent in three geographic categories: fly-in community, on reserve and off reserve.
“It’s my privilege to recognize these talented young Indigenous writers and amplify their powerful voices,” said the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Ontario’s 27th Lieutenant Governor from 2002-2007. He was the first Indigenous person appointed to the role in the province. “Their creative submissions not only exemplify their courage, strength and unique perspectives, they help to celebrate Indigenous communities in Ontario.”
“This award recognizes the efforts of James Bartleman in promoting literacy among Indigenous youth and celebrates brave and inspiring voices,” said the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario’s current Lieutenant Governor. “This work deepens the province’s collective understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, and ongoing relationships with Indigenous leaders and communities.”
The recipients of the award are chosen by an independent selection committee of members from Indigenous communities. Recipients receive a citation and a one-time award of $2,500.
