Spirit Ink
Spirit Ink is an exciting new TNQ initiative that’s dedicated to supporting emerging Indigenous writers. Through a combination of mentorship, writer-in-residence placements, and bursaries, we aim to provide not just publishing opportunities but a platform for Indigenous storytellers to hone their craft and share their voices with the world.
In a continued effort to support and uplift Indigenous writers, Spirit Ink will offer two full bursaries for Indigenous writers to attend our inaugural Wild Writers Retreat in May 2025, giving them space to grow, connect, and thrive in a community of writers.
Introducing our 2025 Writer-In-Residence Chyana Marie Sage
Chyana Marie Sage is a Cree, Métis, and Salish writer from Edmonton, Alberta. Her essay “Soar” won first place in the Edna Staebler Personal Essay Contest, then won Silver at the 2022 National Magazine Awards. She holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from Columbia University, where she taught as an adjunct professor. Her journalism has appeared in HuffPost, The New Quarterly, and the Toronto Star. She teaches Indigenous youth how to foster self-love and healing for Connected North and models in her spare time. When she isn’t working, she is travelling and seeing nature around the world.
"I am beyond excited for this opportunity. It feels like such a full circle moment—I had my literary debut with TNQ, and now to be able to take on the role of mentor fills me with such gratitude. I’ll be helping TNQ expand their Indigenous voices by mentoring emerging Native writers throughout the year and I’m honoured to be able to share all I have learned throughout the years with my mentees and with TNQ!"
Introducing our 2025 Writing Mentor: Helen Knott
Helen Knott is a Dane Zaa, Cree, Metis, and mixed settler descent woman who is the author of two memoirs, In My Own Moccasins, and Becoming A Matriarch. Her work has won a BC Yukon Book Prize, has been longlisted for the RBC Taylor Prize, selected as one of Indigo’s top ten books of 2023, and made the best seller list for the Globe and Mail, CBC, and the Toronto Star.
Our Spirit Ink Patron
Spirit Ink is made possible by the generous donation by Pam Dillon. Thanks to Pam’s support and commitment to Spirit Ink, we are now able to take an intentional and meaningful approach in empowering Indigenous writers. Thank you, Pam!
Interested in supporting Spirit Ink? Donate today.
