In a vibrant showcase of creativity and cultural expression, we are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Call for Stories written by Indigenous children. This year’s contest, which was possible thanks to a grant from the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada, invited young Indigenous storytellers to share their unique voices and perspectives while highlighting the cultural heritage of their families and communities.

Meet the Winners

Platinum

Sydnee Wynter Aime Nisyok

Sydnee Wynter Amie Nisyok is from the Ganada (frog) Clan of the Nisga’a Nation and Haisla Nation in Northern British Columbia. With a passion for science, she thrives on learning new things while cherishing moments with her closest friends. Sydnee also has a passion for animals, as seen in her affection for her three beloved pets. As an Earth Ranger, she dedicates herself to environmental missions, striving to protect both animals and the planet. Beyond her conservation efforts, Sydnee finds joy in sports like soccer and basketball, as well as activities like dancing, swimming, horseback riding, and playing tunes on her guitar. With a dream to become a scientist and make a positive impact on the world, Sydnee's ambitions are as vast as her love for nature. Sydnee’s story idea is inspired by the experience of her grandfather, whose brother was “scooped”. With her story, she wants to inspire Indigenous youth to advocate for their rights and the rights of their communities and to be a beacon of hope and light for older and younger generations.

Gold

dominic beardy

Dominic is a 9-year-old from Little Saskatchewan First Nation and Wiikwemikong First Nation. He is a proud student at Darwin School in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he attends 3rd grade. When he is not in the classroom, you'll likely find him out on the soccer field, playing with his friends. One of Dominic's favorite spots in his community is the local park. He enjoys being outdoors and in contact with nature. He also has a passion for reading. Books are his gateway to imagination and discovery, and he treasures every story he reads. In the future, he would like to be a professional soccer player and a published author. Inspired by the rich traditions of his family, Dominic crafted a story idea that celebrates his cultural heritage and honours the legacy of his ancestors. Through his story, he plans to bring awareness to the challenges faced by Indigenous children and to inspire them to uphold their culture.

Gold

demayani hernández hernández

Demayani Hernández Hernández is a 14-year-old student at Manuel M. Ponce High School and resides in the charming village of Coacuilco, Hidalgo, Mexico. While Spanish is the primary language, Nahuatl also weaves through the community, reflecting its rich linguistic heritage. In her spare time, Demayani delights in singing and dancing, using these activities to express her creativity. She's dedicated to her studies and has ambitious dreams, including becoming fluent in Nahuatl and learning other languages like English and Korean. Known for her responsibility and quick learning, Demayani is eager to expand her horizons and connect further with her cultural roots.

silver

donny beardy

Story:

**The Rain and The Sacred Fire**

Donny is 10 years old from Little Saskatchewan First Nation and Wiikwemikong First Nation. He is a grade 5 student at Darwin School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He loves learning and is passionate about sports. His favorite sports to play are soccer, hockey, and basketball. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Donny finds joy in quieter pastimes as well. He enjoys reading, drawing, and exploring various forms of art. Whether he is reading a story book, sketching, or engaged in a puzzle, Donny's curiosity and enthusiasm to engage in diverse activities is truly boundless. In the future, he would like to travel the world and explore different cities as a truck driver. Donny enjoys learning about his Indigenous heritage. He wrote his story idea inspired by the traditions and rituals of his family as well as a genuine concern for the environment.

silver

daira yamile juárez mora

Thirteen-year-old Daira Yamile is a proud member of the Nahua people and lives in the scenic community of Coacuilco, located in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. As a vibrant and enthusiastic Year 8 student at Manuel M. Ponce General High School, Daira stands out not only for her academic dedication but also for her love of sports, particularly volleyball. Her intellectual curiosity is boundless, driving her to seek out new knowledge with enthusiasm. Reading is one of her favourite pastimes, and she finds it to be an endless source of inspiration and learning. This passion for knowledge fuels her ambition to become a surgeon, a dream she pursues with unwavering determination and the energy characteristic of her youth. Daira's journey is marked by a blend of cultural pride, academic zeal, and a commitment to her future aspirations, making her a remarkable young individual with a bright future ahead.

silver

dulce karen hernández flores

Story:

**Guardians of The Sacred Tree**

Dulce Karen Hernandez Flores, 14, is in year 8 at General Manuel M. Ponce High School. As a member of the Nahuatl indigenous group, Dulce Karen deeply values her roots and culture. In her free time, she dedicates herself to her favourite hobbies: creating beautiful crafts, listening to music and getting lost in the pages of a good book. These activities not only relax her, but also stimulate her creativity and love of learning. Since she was little, Dulce Karen has had a great passion for teaching. Her goal is to inspire and educate future generations, connecting her vocation with the cultural heritage of her community and distinguishing herself both academically and in her cultural environment.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants. Your voices are vital, and your stories are a precious gift to us all!

Our deepest gratitude to the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada for making this contest possible and to the Indigenous Leadership Commission for judging the contest entries. Together, we contribute to the empowerment of young writers and to the preservation of Indigenous storytelling for future generations.