Campbell named Writer-in-Residence

Posted July 07, 1998


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 6, 1998
98-07-02-AR

Campbell named Writer-in-Residence

Maria Campbell, a widely acclaimed M鴩s author, is Writer-in-
Residence this year in the Department of Native Studies at the
University of Saskatchewan. The university recently received a grant
from The Canada Council for the Arts which together with matching
funds from the President's Office and the College of Arts and Science,
has made it possible for Dr. Campbell to spend a year as Writer-in-
Residence.

Maria Campbell's early writing, including her book Halfbreed and her
stage play Jessica, rapidly earned for her a reputation as one of
Canada's most distinguished Aboriginal writers. She has also written
stories for young people and written and directed documentary films.
Most recently she has been working in the oral tradition, which has
resulted in the book, Stories of the Road Allowance People.

She has received many awards for her writing, including Honorary
Doctorate degrees from the University of Regina and York University.
Her community work, especially with women and children in crisis, as
well as her writing, has been recognized in many honours, including
the Gabriel Dumont Medal of Merit from the M鴩s Nation.

Part of her time as Writer-in-Residence will be devoted to gathering the
oral stories of Aboriginal elders in the Saskatoon area. Maria
Campbell has been trained by the story-tellers of her people. Her
gathering, translating, and putting on paper the histories and stories of
elders will help to ensure that these narrative traditions continue, that
coming generations are not denied what the elders now know.

This summer, she is offering several workshops in creative writing and
drama. She will be giving readings and lectures during the year, and
she will be available to writers, including students, for advice and
guidance with their writing.

For more information, please contact:

Maria Campbell Dr. Jim Waldram, Head
Department of Native Studies Department of Native Studies
University of Saskatchewan University of Saskatchewan
(306) 233-4970 or (306) 966-5375 (306) 966-6208

Dr. Ron Marken
Department of English
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5639