Toronto – February 22 2010 – The Historica-Dominion Institute is calling on Aboriginal youth from across the country to write short stories about defining moments in Aboriginal history for a chance to win cash prizes, earn national recognition and a trip to Regina for a special Awards Ceremony attended by Aboriginal leaders.
“I'm honoured to be included once again this year as a jury member on the Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge,” says Jury member and recent Giller Prize winner, Joseph Boyden. “Young indigenous voices from across Canada dazzled last year and we believe that this important contest will continue to discover more and more talented Aboriginal authors. To stories!”
Stories will be judged by an impressive Jury made up of some of Canada’s most celebrated Aboriginal leaders and authors, including Boyden, Tomson Highway, Rachel Qitsualik and Drew Hayden Taylor.
The Challenge is supported by a number of honorary patrons, including Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo. “The Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge is an important program that ensures new voices can share and preserve Aboriginal stories, culture, experiences and history,” National Chief Atleo says. “I am proud to support the Challenge, and I encourage Aboriginal youth from across Canada to showcase their talent and share their perspectives by submitting a story to this wonderful program.”
Young Aboriginal writers will submit original pieces that that reflect on defining themes in the history of this country and its Aboriginal people. Winners are selected from two age categories - ages 14-18 and 19-29.
The first place winners in each age category receive a cash prize of $2,000 and a trip to Regina for the awards ceremony. Each winning story will also be published in Canada’s History (formerly The Beaver). The second place participants will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and the third place winners $500. The Jury will select top ten winners in each category, who will also receive a cash prize.
For a full list of Patrons and members of this year’s Jury, visit
www.our-story.ca.
The deadline for this year’s contest is March 31, 2010. Youth and educators interested in learning more about the contest should visit
www.our-story.ca or call (toll free) 1-866-701-1867.
The Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge is supported by lead sponsor, Enbridge Inc.
The Historica-Dominion Institute is a national charitable organization that was launched on September 1st, 2009 through the amalgamation of two existing organizations: The Historica Foundation of Canada and The Dominion Institute. Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. Visit
www.historica-dominion.ca.
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Contact:
Laura Fraser
(toll free) 1.866.701.1867 x240