James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Awards

Submission deadline is May 31

The James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award recognizes Aboriginal youth for their creative writing talent.

Every year up to six Aboriginal students each receive the award of $2,500.

The award is named after the Honourable James Bartleman who was the 27th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, serving from 2002 – 2007. Mr. Bartleman was the first Aboriginal Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. The award was set up as a legacy to his efforts in promoting literacy among Aboriginal youth.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible you must:

  • be 18 years of age or under
  • self-identify as Aboriginal
  • attend a school in Ontario
  • be a resident of Ontario
  • be the author of an original creative writing piece (for example: short story, poem, essay, play or song) that has not in any part been copied.

Categories

There are two age categories:

  • Junior: up to 12 years of age
  • Senior: 13 – 18 years of age.

There are three geographic categories:

  • fly-in community
  • on reserve
  • off reserve (do not live in a fly-in community or on a reserve).

A junior and senior recipient is chosen from each geographic category. A maximum of six awards are presented each year.

How do I make a submission?

You can submit online or download the form:

  • PDF (print, complete and mail to the Secretariat)

When is the deadline?

The deadline is May 31 each year. If May 31 falls on a weekend or holiday, submissions are accepted the following business day.

You may make your submission at any time. Eligible submissions received after the deadline will be considered for the following year.

How are recipients selected?

An independent selection committee of individuals from Aboriginal communities reviews the submissions and recommends the award recipients.

How are the awards presented?

Recipients will be invited to attend an awards ceremony in the Legislative Building in Toronto.

Contact Us

Email: ontariohonoursandawards@ontario.ca

Phone: 416-314-7526
Toll-free: 1-877-832-8622
TTY: 416-327-2391

Mail: Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
400 University Avenue, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2R9

For more information visit: www.ontario.ca/bartleman