Call for
Nominations
Indigenous Stories of Strength:
A Virtual Showcase
In the fall of 2021, we will launch a Virtual Showcase highlighting Indigenous stories of strength and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic in the lands that are now called the United States. We welcome nominations (self-nominations included) for creative submissions to this multi-media, Virtual Showcase. The nomination process involves involves filling out a form which describes the type of submission proposed. Select nominees will be invited to submit works to be included in a web-based Virtual Showcase that will be shared nationally. Up to 20 nominees will be selected and will receive recognition in the showcase and during a virtual celebration/launch event. Each nominee selected for this showcase will receive a $500 stipend.
Purpose:
The purpose of the Virtual Showcase is to highlight the innovations, cultural teachings, and collective action of Indigenous communities to promote wellness of all forms during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are seeking examples of Indigenous strength and survival that illuminate leadership from individuals, groups, and/or communities related to the global pandemic.
For example:
Did community leaders enact creative policies to promote safety and wellness?
Did a certain Elder develop innovative ways of sharing and connecting?
Did an artist inspire hope and collective action?
Did a youth group work to care for others?
Call for nominations opens
April 15, 2021
Nominations due by
June 15, 2021
Finalists notified by
July 15, 2021
Virtual showcase premieres
Fall 2021
Sharing and strength can come in many forms and places, and we welcome submissions that reflect a broad range of activities and examples of leadership across Indigenous communities and settings. You or the nominated individual/group do not need to have professional experience (e.g., as an artist, writer, etc.) to submit a nomination.
What is the nomination and selection process?
The pathway to launching the virtual showcase includes four steps.
1. Nomination Process
To nominate yourself or others, please complete the questionnaire below. It is important to keep in mind that we are looking for creative examples of Indigenous leadership specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Submission Format
We encourage multi-media content including, but not limited to, audio, video, photography, and text. Examples include artwork, audio (song, storytelling, poem, etc.), video, image, written text (e.g., written poem, written story, written song, blog style post, etc.), or other mediums.
3. Selection Process
All nominations will be initially screened to see if they match the theme and focus of this project. Nominations that move forward will then be reviewed and assessed by a national curatorial team including Indigenous leaders and activists. In addition to curatorial team review, we aim to select finalists for representation on the Virtual Showcase who represent the diversity of Indigenous communities across the lands that are now called the United States as well as the diversity of community roles (e.g., youth, Elders, service providers, traditional healers, teachers, leaders, artists, community health workers, etc.).
4. Virtual Showcase
Nominations that are invited to submit their work after screening will be featured in an online Virtual Showcase. This Virtual Showcase will be widely disseminated and promoted through various Indigenous organizations via social media, newsletters, etc.
