Aboriginal youth celebrated for creativity

Three young Aboriginal writers from northwestern Ontario are being celebrated for their creative writing abilities.
Bearskin Lake’s Vanessa Trimble, 11, Sandy Lake’s Erik Fiddler, 18, and Thunder Bay’s Nakita Guillet, 14, are among six youth from across Ontario who have been selected to receive James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Awards, which include a certificate and a cash award of $2,500 for each person. The other recipients are Damian Giovanni Inglese, 13, from Toronto, Forest Rain Maracle, 13, from Deseronto and Mshquazeed Jewell, 14, from Oneida.
“Writing sets these young people on a journey of learning and exploration,” Bartleman said. “The written word will take you to places limited only by your imaginations.”
This year’s recipients wrote about a younger sister’s struggles with a learning disability, isolation in a small community, family members and Aboriginal youth transitioning from northern communities to urban centres.
“I marvel at the outstanding ability displayed by these relevant and moving stories and poems,” said Lt.-Gov. David C. Onley. “They tell significant tales about the reality of life as an Aboriginal youth in today’s Ontario.”
A member of Mnjikaning First Nation, Bartleman was the first Aboriginal lieutenant-governor of Ontario, serving from 2002 to 2007.
During his term in office, he set up four Aboriginal youth literacy initiatives to give Aboriginal youth access to reading materials.
The James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award was set up as a legacy to his far-reaching vision and efforts in promoting literacy among Aboriginal youth.
“These young people are a testament to the creative talent in Aboriginal communities,” said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Chris Bentley. “More than 250 young writers submitted their stories and poems to this legacy program that was established by the Government of Ontario to honour Mr. Bartleman’s work in Aboriginal youth literacy. This is a wonderful reflection on this award created to encourage literacy in Aboriginal youth.”
Up to six Aboriginal students, age 18 and under, are celebrated each year for their original creative work, which may include but is not limited to short stories, poems, essays, plays or songs.