2nd Annual Native American Women’s Writers Workshop

2nd Annual Native American Women’s Writers Workshop

Lapwai, ID- The Nez Perce Women’s Writers Institute and the Nez Perce Arts Council will be hosting the 2nd Annual Native American Women’s Writer’s Workshop, February 17-18, 2018. This free, two-day workshop will take place President’s Day Weekend at the Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center, in Lapwai, ID. The primary intent of this workshop is to encourage storytelling and to highlight the process.

The two days will be filled with Native American women presenters of all backgrounds, who write for a living. The workshop will feature speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions throughout both days. The theme this year is “discovering new ways to become inspired and enhance storytelling”. Participants will be able to explore methods of the seasoned presenters; learning to heighten creativity, productivity, and clarity within their writing. Guests will also be invited to share their stories and materials. 

Amidst the sensational line-up of events; Paulette Jordan, Coeur d’ Alene Tribal Member, will provide a key note address. Jordan currently serves on the Idaho House of Representatives for District 5 and is a Democratic candidate for the next Governor of Idaho. During lunch on Sunday, she will be speaking on her ambitions and plans for serving Idaho. 

The workshop will also provide participants with an opportunity to be a contributing author in the next Nez Perce Tribe Native American Women’s Writers Anthology; a collection of various stories, poems, art, and more. Each person will receive a copy of last year’s anthology which contains pieces from nine, female Nez Perce authors. In addition, there will be a book signing with the authors from last year.

 “We want to encourage writers to bring their items to work on and utilize this opportunity to enhance their pieces,” commented Ann McCormack, Economic Development Planner for the Nez Perce Tribe. “The hope is that by the end of the workshop, every participant will have an idea of what to include in the 2018 anthology,” 

The workshop is being funded by The Nez Perce Tribe, The Nez Perce Tribe Enterprises, The Idaho Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The workshop has also allocated for vendors and will be giving away door prizes throughout the event. Native American women of all ages are encouraged to attend this enlightening and inspirational event.