Tyendinaga Youth wins the James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award

Honourable Chisanga Puta-Chekwe, Honourable James Karl Bartleman, Emily Workman, and Honourable David C. Onley gather for a photo op.
Honourable Chisanga Puta-Chekwe, Honourable James Karl Bartleman, Emily Workman, and Honourable David C. Onley gather for a photo op.

Tyendinaga resident Emily Workman, 12 years old, is one of six winners of the prestigious James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Awards for her poem, When Skunk Smelled like Flowers.

Danielle Brant, Emily’s mother, tells me that after Emily finished writing she told her mother, as a matter-of-fact, that she was going to win the award. But despite her confident prediction, Emily could not contain her tears while hearing the news.

Ontario’s 27th Lieutenant-Governor James Karl Bartleman is a member of the Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation. He has had a long career as a Canadian Diplomat and author who has dedicated himself to the literacy of First Nations children.

The other five winners are; Wenzdae Brewster, Janna Kakegamic, Cedar Moonias, Kole Nelson, and Melanie Porter.

Nominations for next year’s contest are open until May 31, 2014. You must be 18 years old or younger, self-identify as an Aboriginal youth, be enrolled in an Ontario school and be a permanent resident of Ontario.

For more information regarding the contest; http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/honours/bartleman.shtml

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