Tuesday, June 15 – Regina – Aboriginal leaders, educators, youth, elected representatives and local community members will gather today at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina to celebrate the winners of the Historica-Dominion Institute’s 6th Annual Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge.
Giller Prize Winner Joseph Boyden will act as Master of Ceremonies, and National Chief Shawn Atleo of the Assembly of First Nations will be presenting the awards to this year’s two young first place winners, Stephanie Wood of North Vancouver, BC, and Nathan Adler of Orangeville, ON. The event will also be attended by local Aboriginal leaders, former contest winners and include a special performance.
“The Institute is thrilled with the response of young Aboriginal writers from across Canada,” says Marc Chalifoux, Executive Vice President of The Historica-Dominion Institute’s National Office. “We are overwhelmed by the creative, brave and sensitive way that these young people tackle a broad range of topics. Congratulations to all the winners!”
Presented by Enbridge Inc. the Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge is a national initiative of The Historica-Dominion Institute. Participants between the ages 14-18 and 19-29 are invited to write a short story about a defining moment in Aboriginal history. The winning entries are selected by a jury of esteemed Aboriginal authors and leaders. Visit
www.our-story.ca for a complete list of this year’s winners.
“The Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of young Aboriginal writers”, said National Chief Shawn Atleo. “I am honoured to act as Honorary Patron of the project and extremely proud of all the young writers who use the Challenge as a way to make meaning of events that are significant to all Canadians.”
The event will also mark an announcement from the Historica-Dominion Institute and Enbridge Inc. of a new expanded Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge, which hopes to reach a new audience of Aboriginal youth – those who aren’t writers, but instead express themselves through painting, sculpting and photography.
"Enbridge is extremely proud to partner with The Historica-Dominion Institute again for our sixth Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge," said D’Arcy Levesque, Vice President, Public and Government Affairs, Enbridge Inc. "This Challenge offers an important opportunity for young Aboriginal Canadians to have their stories and experiences heard by the rest of Canada and create ongoing dialogue and understanding of Aboriginal culture.”
The 2010 Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge is Presented by Enbridge Inc. Supporting sponsors include TD Bank Financial Group, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Vale, Inco, Canada Council for the Arts, Canada’s History magazine and Imperial Oil.
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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Reception and Awards Presentation:
Tuesday June 15, 2010
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
MacKenzie Art Gallery
3475 Albert Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
For Further Information Contact:
Chantal Gagnon
The Historica-Dominion Institute
Tel: 1-866-701-1867 x 238
Mobile: 416-575-3627
cgagnon@historica-dominion.ca