Programs for Emerging and Established Writers
The SWG aims to create an environment that is inclusive for all writers to develop their craft – from workshops and online courses to mentorships and professional development. The SWG embraces equity and diversity among its members and provides a supportive community that understands what it means to be called a writer.
Our Indigenous Program Manager organizes events and programs for emerging and established Indigenous writers and audiences. We work with the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Writers Circle Inc. (SAWCI) and the Ânskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival and encourage membership in both organizations.
BIPOC mentorship program
The BIPOC Mentorship Program is open to all BIPOC writers of Saskatchewan in all genres. This program runs from January 1st to April 30th of each calendar year.
The SWG BIPOC Mentorship Program allows emerging BIPOC writers to work in a supportive environment under the guidance of professional writers.
The mentor and the apprentice will have contact weekly through Zoom, emails, phone calls or face-to-face meetings and will spend an approximate time of 20 – 25 hours per month.
Mentor and apprentice are expected to attend three virtual meetings during the program with the Indigenous Program Coordinator.
The focus of this program is craft development for the apprentice. They should not expect to have a completed manuscript by the end of this program.
At the end of this program, the apprentice will give a public reading of their work in May. Mentor and apprentice are expected to attend either in person or virtually.
There is no cost to apply for this program, and there are no participation fees.
Truth & Reconciliation
The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild hosts a Truth & Reconciliation event on September 30th of each year. In these events, we have authors & hosts sharing stories, having conversations and giving talks to recognize intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused to Indigenous families, communities and to honour those who have been affected by this. These events help send a message of solidarity, harmony, and healing by sharing their stories.
Creative Writing Workshops
Want to develop better writing skills? How to write with confidence?
The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild, partnering with the Saskatoon Public Library, hosts two Creative Writing workshops for both beginner and experienced writers. These workshops are held in the fall and in the spring. We invite different Indigenous writers, with different genres, to present an interactive, professional development writing workshop.
Throughout the year, Indigenous writers work with the SWG as workshop facilitators and instructors, festival and conference presenters, and readers. Watch our website for these exciting opportunities!
Tânsi Talks Series
The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild invites you to join our “Tansi Talk” Series. These talks are hosted in October, December, January, March and May of each year.
These are conversations with Saskatchewan Indigenous writers and hosts. Each one-hour discussion is a conversation about writing and storytelling, and features authors working in different genres. Join us virtually and in-person throughout the year for an exploration of topics like children’s books, memoirs, Residential Schools, poetry, short stories, and histories.
Indigenous Advisory Committee
This committee reviews the SWG’s existing programs, policies and protocols and suggests ways to be more inclusive to better serve Saskatchewan’s Indigenous writing community.
National Indigenous History Month
The SWG celebrates National Indigenous History Month in June with programs and events, including supporting storytellers and writers at National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations on June 21st.
Storytellers month
The SWG partners with organizations around the province to host Indigenous storytellers and musicians each February.
For more information, please contact:
Indigenous Program Coordinator
T: 306.244.0107| E: swgip@skwriter.com
