Aboriginal Writers Network | Writer

Aboriginal Writers Network

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13.01.2022 Great project - share if you know any emerging Westie writers:

06.01.2022 POETRY AS HEALING Mentorship In 2019 the Director of Aboriginal Writers Retreat, award-winning Yankunytjatjara poet Ali Cobby Eckermann offers a new mentorship ...to any unpublished Aboriginal poet, whom Ali believes writes poetry that has the capacity to heal, hence it should be published. The Aboriginal Writers Retreat is a small Aboriginal Literature initiative. First established at the old General Store in Koolunga on Ngadjuri country in mid-north South Australia, the AWR is now a library and writing space inside a caravan, and transportable. Ali believes that Aboriginal Australians can overcome much sadness from the healing power of literature, and the strength of Aboriginal poetry. She believes more poetry should be created and shared within Aboriginal family and community, and that many community-based poets are often unnoticed. The mentorship must also benefit the poet in their purpose. The mentorship will offer: a pathway to writing routines and techniques an insight on passive healing practices one-on-one appraisal of poems, via email and phone a five day retreat in natural setting a manuscript (original poems) in hardcopy and on usb an awareness to submissions and poetry prizes an introduction to potential publishers Travel costs (capped at $500), accommodation with meals and a stipend $500 will be offered. The location may vary to suit individual needs. The poet selected will be via referral, submission or by first-hand impact. In 2019, Ali has chosen poet and performer Meaghen Holt. Meaghen was born on Gunai/Kurnai land. Her grandparents are Jim and May Holt (nee Pickering) from Cherbourg (her Grandmother born on Wakka Wakka land and her Grandfather Giriyi removed to Cherbourg) and Robert and Valerie Francis (nee Lowater) who have English and Scottish backgrounds. Ali first met Meaghen in 2017 during the Jigamy Writers Weekend at Eden NSW on Yuin country. Ali and other fellow writers were much impressed by her story and her words. In 2018 Ali was in the audience as Meaghen performed her poetry at the inaugural Giiyong Festival in 2018 to a standing ovation.