Aboriginal Programming & Initiatives

The SWG is continually looking for new partnerships and programming opportunities to support Aboriginal writers. Suggestions are always welcomed! 

NOTE: COMPLIMENTARY ABORIGINAL MEMBERSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPT 30TH, 2010.

The SWG is offering a complimentary membership for all newly joining Guild members of First Nations or Métis descent, a value of $75 for adults and $55 for students.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES (BY DATE)

FRIDAY, SEPT 24, 2010 - FIRST NATION UNIVERSTY'S READING SERIES

The SWG is co-sponsor of the First Nation University’s Reading Series with the First Nations University of Canada (FNUC). The next featured author will be Lee Maracle, reading in Regina on Sept. 24, 2010 at FNUC (details TBA). Maracle will also be reading as a part of the Under the Harvest Moon Festival at the Art Park in Regina. This reading is co-sponsored by the SWG, with travel assistance and support from the Canada Council.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2010, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM.  SASKATCHEWAN ARTS BOARD GRANT PRESENTATION - PRINCE ALBERT

Location: Prince Albert Art Centre, 1010 Central Ave, Prince Albert (The session will be offered during the Two Storey Café event)

Interested in applying for a grant to work on your manuscript or art projects, attend a retreat, or hone your skills at a writing or art program? The next deadline for the Saskatchewan Arts Board’s Independent Artists Grants Program is October 1, 2010. It offers grants of up to $6,000 for eligible emerging writers and $17,000 for established writers. The SAB also offers other individual and project grants available with varying deadlines to learn about.

Joanne Gerber, Program Consultant for Literary and Multidisciplinary Arts and Michelle Rae McKay, Indigenous and Community Arts Consultant of the Saskatchewan Arts Board will explain the programs, application and adjudication process, along with key elements of a strong grant application.

Joanne will focus on the Literary, Interdisciplinary Independent artist and project grants. Michelle Rae McKay will spotlight the grants for traditional and contemporary arts for Indigenous artists. Following a question and answer session, they will be available for individual consultations of fifteen minutes each to discuss your project, work plan, budget, eligibility or other issues. 

Registration is required as spacing is limited.  Please email Milena at the SWG office - swgr@skwriter.com or phone: (306) 791-7740.

You may pre-book an individual consultation time by calling Joanne at 787-5540 or emailing joanne@artsboard.sk.ca.

Be advised that to maximize the benefit of your individual consultation for the upcoming Oct 1 grant deadline, please download the Independent Artists Grant Program Guidelines, Application Form and Literary Guidelines from the Saskatchewan Arts Board website (Grants section) and bring a draft project description, plan of activity and budget to the session.

 FRIDAY, OCT 15, 2010, 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. - ABORIGINAL MEMBERS FOCUS GROUP (AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE)

Join us at our Fall Conference in Saskatoon. One of our sessions includes the Aboriginal Members Focus Group, facilitated by Carol Vandale from the Aboriginal Literacy Network. The SWG is seeking input on Aboriginal membership programming and events.

SATURDAY, OCT 16, 2010 - 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. - CHANGES IN PUBLISHING WITH WES FUNK, GEOFFREY URSELL AND KARON SCHMON (AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE)

Are you ready to publish?  Need to find out how it all works these days?  Join self-published author, Wes Funk; Geoffrey Ursell from Coteau Books; and Karon Schmon from Gabriel Dumont Institute publishing as they share their experiences, offer some tips and reveal some trends in the ever changing world of publishing. This workshops is also at the Fall Conference.

 OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

SWG ABORIGINAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

There are two parts to this program. One is for the hiring of an Aboriginal Mentor - Ad date TBA; and the second is for writers to participate and work with the Aboriginal Mentor.

Developing Aboriginal writers are eligible to apprentice in the SWG Aboriginal Mentorship Program. The developing writer receives the support, guidance, and mentorship of a professional Aboriginal writer.

What Is It: One-on-one instruction in the craft of creative writing. Because the focus is on artistic development, the apprentice should not expect to have a completed manuscript by the end of the program (although it's a possibility). And because the program focuses on artistic development, it's possible there will not be a significant amount of new work produced during the mentorship. Instead, the pair will generally work on honing previously written material.

What Isn't It: It's not an editorial service.

Who Can Apply: Aboriginal writers in all genres.

How Does It Work: For the duration of the program, apprentice and mentor stay in weekly contact via e-mail, phone, and face-to-face meetings. When an apprentice and mentor do not live in the same community, at least one face-to-face meeting is required within the first two weeks of beginning the mentorship.

Is There A Cost: No. There is no cost to apply for this program, and no participation fees. The mentor is paid by the SWG. And if travel is required, the apprentice’s travel expenses will be covered for the face-to-face meeting.

 
Links to Aboriginal Resources