THUNDER BAY – “Aboriginal youth in Ontario have tremendous potential and I am impressed by their talent to share their unique stories and culture at such a young age. I encourage them to continue to develop their craft as promising young writers and authors in Ontario,” stated Kathleen Wynne, the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
Ontario is honouring the creativity of six young Aboriginal writers from across the province with the James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award. The awards give Aboriginal youth an opportunity to showcase their creative writing abilities. This year’s successful entries include poems that address the damaging effects of bullying, isolation and the legacy of residential schools.
The 2012 award recipients are:
• Kiara Lynn Bird of Naotkamewanning First Nations
• Rachel Bluecoat of Fort Severn
• Justine Kennedy of Waterloo
• Chelsea Roberta McKay of Wunnumin Lake
• Calista Mawakeesic of Sioux Lookout
• Carlene Evangeline Genevieve Wiitala of Cutler
“I am honored to celebrate the writing skills of these talented young minds from across the province. Their creativity reminds us how powerful written words are when exposing their hopes and dreams,” said David C. Onley, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
“The clever thoughts and imaginative writing showcased by these young writers gives us a unique perspective of the personal journey of Ontario’s young Aboriginal people. They have found in writing an intellectual stimulant, a door that opens a world of possibilities,” added James K. Bartleman the former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.