About EDWI

Origin

In 2017, the Navajo Women’s Commission entered into a partnership with Navajo Technical University (NTU) to develop a creative writing summer program. The Commission set literacy as one of its organizational goals and chose to partner with NTU in recognition of their numerous creative writing programs including the Navajo Nation Poet Laureate program

Now, the Emerging Diné Writers’ Institute is funded by the Office of the President at NTU and various grants.

EDWI Overview

EDWI aims to motivate and expose Diné high school and college students and community members to acclaimed Diné authors, writers, and local publishers. Participants improve their creative writing ability, work within various genres and forms, and foster an interest in our people to tell their own stories.

EDWI is a week-long series of classes, craft talks, presentations, and generative writing sessions feature Diné writers such as Dr. Laura Tohe (Navajo Nation Poet Laureate), Jake Skeets (author of Eyes Bottle Dark with a Mouthful of Flowers and Diné College Faculty), Tanaya Winder (author of Words Like Love), and more. We also host visiting writers from partner institutions and programs.

More Writing Scholar Testimonials

Amber Begay 2018 Writing Scholar “I learned so much about our [Diné] culture that I did not know of before. I learned ways to improve my writing. You will learn these too! You’ll also learn ways to open your mind and set your thoughts free. It was comforting being surrounded by other Diné, listening to their work.”

Tiara Yazzie 2018 Writing Scholar “Attending the Institute will truly help evolve your writing, even if this is the first time you’ve written anything. If you have stories to tell, you should share them with the world instead of hiding them. Also, don’t be afraid to share your stories about your culture. That’s what our communities need.”

Parent of a 2018 Writing Scholar “This 5-day program will help you define, facilitate, and strengthen your writing as a Diné writer. With Diné aspects of teaching and lifeways, you will be immersed in a full range of writing techniques and storytelling from distinguished faculty and editors. This program will help you come out with a very different perspective—a Diné way of writing and thinking.”

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How the Institute Works

EDWI is composed of a private agenda for Ha'a'aahdę́ę́' Writing Fellows who are mentored by acclaimed Diné writers and a public agenda open to everyone.

The Ha'a'aahdę́ę́' Writing Fellows agenda includes classes with Diné faculty mentors in the mornings and other activities. Diné writers in high school, college, and graduate school are encouraged to apply. Applications can be found here. We are accepting only 20 writers for these fellowships.

If you are not a current student and still want to attend EDWI, you can register as a general participant here. All you need to do is register and follow the instructions on the email sent once your registration is complete.

EDWI is free to the public. Upon registering, you will receive an agenda.

If you are accepted as a Ha'a'aahdę́ę́' Writing Fellow, you will receive an email before the start of the program with additional instructions and information.

For any questions, please see the CONTACT section of this website or email emergingdinewriters@navajotech.edu.

Ahxéhee’ nitsaago!

Ha'a'aahdę́ę́' Writing
Fellowship Application General Participant
Registration