Annual Mi'gmaq Writers Award

 

The Chiefs and Councils of the Mi’gmaq communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj have decided that there is an urgent need to find and reward notable Mi’gmaq writers. 

 

It is imperative for the survival of the Mi’gmaq as a people that we identify members who possess a special aptitude and a keen interest in pursuing writing as a hobby or as a career.  We have been an oral people for thousands of years.  A number of our ancestors were some of the greatest storytellers. This tradition must continue.  However,  we must be mindful of the use of today’s technology as it applies to the written word and the benefits that modern technology can contribute to future generations of Mi’gmaq writers.

 

This award is generously sponsored by CARTIER WIND ENERGY.  We thank them for their annual support!

Background of this Prestigious Award

In 2005, Chief John Martin of Gesgapegiag spoke at a conference on Mi’gmaq Governance in Metepenagiag on the importance of encouraging our people to write about Mi’gmaq culture, history or experience.  Also, he wanted to encourage the development of Mi’gmaq writers as another means to mobilize Mi’gmaq Nationalism.  Writing is a strong way to mobilize our people and share our experiences, among ourselves and with others.

The Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Assembly has mandated that a financial award be given to a Mi’gmaq writer from any of the three member communities, residing on or off reserve, who submits an original piece dealing with any aspect of Mi’gmaq culture, heritage, or language.  The submission may be in the form of a short story, children’s story or a group of poems.  The submission may be fiction or non-fiction.  

Who is Eligible to Enter this Contest?

Any registered Member of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg or Listuguj, residing on or off reserve, may make a submission according to the criteria set forth here. This includes all members regardless of age, educational background, and life experience, including individuals currently working for any of the First Nation Governments of our member communities.

There are 2 categories:

 

 

Anyone is eligible to make a submission according to the terms and conditions listed.  However, those under the age of 18 must have a parental signature on the entry form along with the submission. 

 

Previous Winners 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any eligible Member of the one of the Mi’gmaq communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg or Listuguj may submit an entry of no fewer than 500 typed words. 

 

Originals must be submitted by mail. To be eligible, the entry must be sent by Canada Post and postmarked by midnight of the deadline to be eligible.  In fairness to all contestants, all entries must be mailed; no entry will be accepted if hand delivered. No entry will be accepted if it has been previously published; the entries must be original and strictly adhere to the theme of the award.  Please refer to the background section above for more information about these and categories of entries.

 

Winners are announced each year prior to the Annual General Meeting of the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi which occurs in late summer.