Applications for this year’s Audible Indigenous Writers’ Circle program are now open. The 2024 program marks the fourth year it has been taking place.
“In the past three years, more than 55 emerging Indigenous writers have been supported by the program and we’ve seen meaningful success including a published book, more than eight confirmed book deals, and representation for writers such as book agents, and we’re excited to continue it for a fourth year,” said a release.
The Audible Indigenous Writers’ Circle is a six-month mentorship and workshop program for emerging First Nations, Inuit and Métis writers in Canada looking to elevate their stories. The program is open to writers who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
The program will have seven mentors and are looking for 21 emerging writers to participate. Chosen emerging writers in the program will be paired up with Indigenous mentors who will coach and guide participants through the creative process, and help them identify and pursue opportunities in line with their goals as writers.
Audible will provide additional support to the participants throughout the program, including guidance on how participants can promote their work. At the end of the program, depending on what stage each writer has progressed in their creative work and how they choose to share their writing, participants may explore opportunities with Audible.
There is no cost for writers to apply and selected emerging writers are eligible for a bursary to support their participation in the program.
Year four is welcoming back mentors Richard Van Camp, January Rogers, Tanya Talaga, Joshua Whitehead, Reneltta Arluk and Warren Cariou who will be joined by new mentor Waubgeshig Rice.
2024 Mentors:
Richard Van Camp is returning for a third year, Van Camp is an internationally renowned storyteller and best-selling author. He has written 25 books in just about every genre.
January Rogers is returning for a second year. Rogers is a multi-award-winning Mohawk/Tuscarora poet, media producer, performance and sound artist. She has seven published poetry titles and is currently developing a comedy web series titled NDNs on the Airwaves.
Reneltta Arluk is a writer and actor of Inuvialuit, Dene and Cree descent, originally from the Northwest Territories. As Banff Centre’s former Director of Indigenous Arts, Reneltta has helped numerous Indigenous artists discover their voices and turn their ideas into reality.
Joshua Whitehead is a Two-Spirit, Oji-nêhiyaw member of Peguis First Nation (Treaty 1). He is an award-winning author known for full-metal indigiqueer, Jonny Appleseed and Making Love with the Land.
Warren Cariou was born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan into a family of Métis and European heritage. His books, films, photography and scholarly research have a particular focus on the relationships between Indigenous stories and the land.
Waubgeshig Rice is an author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation. He has written four fiction titles, and his short stories and essays have been published in numerous anthologies. His expertise is in journalism, fiction, and short stories.
Tanya Talaga is an acclaimed and award-winning Anishinaabe journalist and author of national bestsellers Seven Fallen Feathers and All Our Relations: Finding The Path Forward. Her Audible Original series, Seven Truths, features her personal story of fighting for Indigenous rights. Tanya heads up Makwa Creative Inc., a production company focused on amplifying Indigenous voices through documentary films, TV and podcasts.
More information can be found at www.audible.ca/ep/IWC.
