Ottawa, April 19, 2005 - The Canada Council for the Arts has launched a new program to encourage the artistic development of emerging Aboriginal writers and storytellers. The Aboriginal Emerging Writers Program is an initiative of the Canada Council, the Aboriginal Arts Program of the Banff Centre and the En'owkin Centre, in Penticton, B.C. Every year, six candidates will be selected by a jury. The successful applicants will participate in a two-week intensive writing program at the Banff Centre, in Alberta. Through this program, the Canada Council seeks to develop Aboriginal publishing and enhance literary creation in Aboriginal languages in Canada. Under the leadership of Aboriginal writers from the En'owkin Centre, the six writers will participate in a program designed to refine their writing skills, while learning about writing techniques, methodologies, genres, cultural and storytelling protocols and traditions. They will also learn how to increase the relevance of their writing and develop innovative strategies for publishing their work. The program incorporates workshops, studio writing time, guest speakers, Internet and archival research, and a cultural component. At the end of the residency, the participants will receive credits towards a Certificate in Foundations in Indigenous Fine Arts of the En'owkin Centre, a program of the Faculty of Fine Arts in cooperation with the University of Victoria Division of Continuing Studies. "It is a wonderful opportunity for emerging writers to receive training from established mentors," said Melanie Rutledge, Head of Writing and Publishing at the Canada Council. "The Council is pleased to be able to help provide Aboriginal writers with the tools necessary to perfect their art." The Aboriginal Emerging Writers Program offers a scholarship of $5,000 to be administered by the Banff Centre. The grant will cover costs of tuition, transportation, accommodation, food, and supplies for the two-week program. The deadline for applications is June 1st 2005. For more information about this program, contact Paul Seesequasis, Program Officer, Writing and Publishing, at 1 800 263-5588, ext. 5482. - 30 - Media Contact: Donna Balkan Senior Communications Manager 1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4134 Email this contact Carole Breton Public Relations Officer 1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4523 Email this contact
