U. of S. News: Campbell named Writer-in-Residence

Organization: University of Saskatchewan Communications
Posted By: Eva Ogilvie
Email: communications.office@usask.ca
Published: Tuesday, 07-Jul-1998 10:23:02 CST

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

Campbell named Writer-in-Residence

Maria Campbell, a widely acclaimed Métis 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 Métis 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
Department of Native Studies
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 233-4970 or (306) 966-5375

Dr. Jim Waldram, Head
Department of Native Studies
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6208

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