by: Debbie Mishibinijima/Wawatay News - November 27, 2009
Two young writers from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) territory are this year’s recipients of the James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award.
DEADLINE FOR ANNUAL SUBMISSIONS IS MAY 31 OF EACH YEAR
Cote Monias, 11, from Ogoki Post and Mavis Oskineegish, 15, from Wunnumin Lake are the two NAN members who won awards.
Honourable James K. Bartleman was Ontario’s first Aboriginal Lieutenant Governor. During his term in office from 2002 to 2007, he implemented four literacy initiatives to give Aboriginal youth access to reading materials.
The creation of the annual award continues Bartleman’s legacy of literacy for young Aboriginals.
“The written word can allow you to travel to distant places and experience new worlds. I am proud that these recipients are accomplished storytellers and writers at a young age,” Bartleman said in a press release.
The other award receipients are:
Christian Scriver, 10, from Toronto
Fawn Thompson, 13, from Tyendinaga
Nancy King, 16, from Rama
Colin Quin, 16, from Toronto
The award recipients will each receive $2,500 and a trip to attend the awards ceremony, which will be held Nov. 30 at Queen's Park in Toronto.
Last year there were three young people from the NAN territory who were award recipients.