Six Aboriginal Youth Take the Prize Bartleman Awards Celebrate Young Aboriginal Writers
December 14, 2011 Six young Aboriginal writers from across the province have shown the creative talent necessary to receive the coveted James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award.
This year’s successful entries include a story of a young man who must save his village from sickness, and a poem about the lack of control we can feel over our own lives. For showcasing their
talent, the selected students receive $2,500 and a trip to Toronto with their families. This year’s award recipients are:
* Jenna Camire, age 12 from Kenora
* Sophie Bender-Johnston, age 18 from Toronto
* Bineshiinh Smoke-LeFort, age 11 from Six Nations
* Jared Bissaillion, age 16 from
Thessalon
* Parker Waswa, age 12 from Fort Hope
* Charmaine Thomas, age 16 from Big Trout Lake QUOTES
“I am pleased to present these awards to some of Ontario’s most promising Aboriginal writers. Together we celebrate their outstanding talent for its imagination and inspiration.” —The Honourable
David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
“The excellent calibre of writing by this year’s recipients conveys profound stories about Aboriginal life in Ontario that touch the heart of anyone who has the privilege to read it.” —The
Honourable James K. Bartleman, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
“The work created by these students contributes to a dialogue that reaches beyond their own communities. That’s a powerful gift, and I hope that Aboriginal students continue to participate so
that Ontarians continue to benefit from their talents” —The Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
“This award continues to inspire young Aboriginal people to take up their pens and share their experiences. Their original works showcase creative talent from Aboriginal communities across
Ontario. Congratulations to this year’s winners!” —The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
QUICK FACTS
* Since its creation in 2008, the James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Awards have been given to 24 Aboriginal youth.
* Eligible participants are 18 years of age or younger,
enrolled in an Ontario school, self identify as an Aboriginal person, and are permanent residents of Ontario.
* The Honourable James K. Bartleman was Ontario’s first Aboriginal Lieutenant
Governor. From 2002–2007, he implemented four literacy initiatives for Aboriginal youth across Ontario.
LEARN MORE
For more information about the award, visit Ontario.ca/Bartleman | 
