The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian i s joining with the Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation to launch the sixth-annual Young Native Writers Essay Contest, which invites Native American youth to speak out on issues affecting their tribal communities.
For 2011, the contest theme is “to describea crucial challenge confronting their tribal community and how those challenges can be met and overcome.” The contest invites high school students from American Indian tribes in the United States to explore their heritage and from the ability of their words to inspire change.
Students interested in participating can visit the Holland & Knight Young Native Writers Essay Contest Rules website http: nativewriters.hklaw.com for official contest rules and to view past winning essays. All essays must be submitted by April 1, 2011, and uploaded to the native writers contest website
“Indian Country has come a long way in recent years, but has such a long way to go,” said Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne), a former U.S. senator and current senior policy advisor with Holland & Knight.
Solving the various addiction problems, unemployment, serious health problems, lack of personal or tribal pride, dying ancient languages, knowledge of tribal history; therefore, the key to their solution is not found through any government programs.
Participants are offered writing workshops, by an acclaimed Native author. The essay winners are presented with a $2,500 scholarship award will take place at Holland & Knight’s Washington office. The contest was created in response to the Red Lake High School massacre by a Native American. From the original group of winners, all students have pursued degrees at a college or university.
“The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian encourages all young Native Americans across the country to absorb and embrace their heritage and share their experiences with the rest of the world,” said Kevin Gover (Pawnee), director of the museum. We are honored to be hosting the winners during their visit to our nation’s capital.”
For more information on the essay contest, or contact Susan Bass, Holland & Knight LLP at . Additional information can be found on the museum’s website for scholarship programs and for promoting indigenous art.
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