James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award

About this award

Win $2,500 for your creative writing talent if you are an Indigenous student in Ontario — apply by May 31 each year.

You can win a $2,500 award. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. Up to six Indigenous students are recognized annually. This is for you if you are a young Indigenous writer in Ontario who wants to share an original story, poem, or play. You must apply by May 31 of each year. The provider does not post a specific notification date — when you apply, ask how and when you will hear back via the portal or email. An independent selection committee made up of people from Indigenous communities reviews your work and recommends the winners. They choose one junior student (12 and younger) and one senior student (13 to 18) from each of the three geographic categories: fly-in communities, on-reserve, and off-reserve. Ask Government of Ontario during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Government of Ontario whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Can you get it?

• ✓ High School — study level
• ✓ Resident of ON — provincial eligibility

How to apply

1. 1

   Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour

   Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.

2. 2

   Draft and revise your essays~10 hours

   Use the STAR framework. Be specific, show impact, proofread twice.

3. 3

   Submit before the posted deadline~1 hour

   Check the official source for the current deadline: save a copy and submit at least 24 hours early.

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