A Cochrane teen was honoured for her writing in a national writing contest that ended March 31.
Rave Weal-Robson, 18, placed sixth overall in the age 14-18 category of the Historica-Dominion Institute’s Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge.
“I am really excited about it,” said Weal-Robson. “It was pretty unexpected.”
This was her first writing challenge and Weal-Robson had some tough competition.
More than 300 applicants from every province and territory entered the contest, which is Canada’s largest essay writing challenge for Aboriginal youth.
Sixth place earned Weal-Robson $800 and her story was published on the website www.ourstory.ca, which was very exciting for the teen.
Stars, Scars, Beacons and New Beginnings is a short story exploring the apology for residential schools through the reaction of a young Aboriginal teen, as she tries to understand the implication of the apology for herself and her people.
It is an inspiring story that offers hope and speaks about overcoming the past and looking ahead to a brighter future for Aboriginal communities. Weal-Robson, a Peguis First Nation Aboriginal, said her family background enabled her to create a believable character.
“I have had past family members in the residential schools and a lot of family friends,” said Weal-Robson. “It is something that directly affected me... I am passionate about it. It was nice to get those things out there, it has been on my mind for quite a while.”
Weal-Robson, who graduated from Cochrane’s Bow Valley High School in 2009, has always loved writing, especially poetry and short stories.
English was her favourite class, followed closely by art.
“I really loved English class and my teacher Tara Sly was always encouraging, she was my motivation,” said Weal-Robson.
In addition to her writing skills, the teen enjoys painting and drawing.
This fall, Weal-Robson will be attending the Alberta College of Art and Design to pursue a degree in visual communications design.
Although she won’t pursue writing as a career, Weal-Robson plans to continue writing.
“It is not my main focus, but I do enjoy it a lot,” she said. “I like to express myself through art and writing.”
The Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge is an annual competition created to encourage aboriginal youth to write.
“We think it is important for Aboriginal youth to tell the story from their perspective, it is such an important part of our community and culture,” said Laura Fraser of the Historica-Dominion Institute.
