Native Creatives at the Highlights Foundation
Our Goal
To inspire children through story by amplifying the voices of Native authors & illustrators.
Our Action:
Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for Native creatives and professionals in and around the children’s book industry.
The 2024 Art Wall at the Highlights Foundation Celebrates POWWOW DAY
Our 2024 Art Wall installation features story and art from POWWOW DAY, written by Traci Sorell, iIllustrated by Madelyn Goodnight, and published by Charlesbridge.
“A tender and inspiring view of Indigenous traditions and how celebrating them can lead to healing and redemption.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Testimonials from Native Creatives
“Powwow Day wouldn’t be in the world if I hadn’t gone to where the magic happened in Cabin 7, and revised that manuscript instead of working on a NIV while I was there. I sold it to Karen Boss at Charlesbridge shortly after I left that weekend. Kathy Erskine, Alma Fullerton, and the workshop attendees helped so much in listening to me share it, as well as making wonderful revision suggestions… Charles Waters also attended that workshop. We visited, and we knew we wanted to work on something together. In Fall 2023, we [released] middle grade novel in verse…called Mascot. ” (Traci Sorell)
“So many positives – time with like minded people, time to connect, time to work, beautiful environment that was geared toward the comfort of writers. It was excellent.”
The Native Creatives Cabin at the Highlights Foundtion
“Whether through words or art, Indigenous storytellers convey connection and community through their craft. But the entry point for creating works for young people is not so easy to locate. It is critical to increase the number of Indigenous writers and artists sharing their work with young people. With over 574 Native Nations within U.S. borders alone, the Highlights Foundation recognizes that many more stories remain untold.” — Traci Sorell, Author and Cherokee Nation citizen
News and Resources
Scholarships for Native Voices at the Highlights Foundation
Blogs & Podcasts
Celebrating a Book Birthday With Two Native Creatives: Andrea L. Rogers + Rebecca Lee Kunz
2024 Art Wall Installation Features Powwow Day
3 Questions With Heidi EY Stemple and Andrea Page about Writing Nonfiction for Children
Traci Sorell: Celebrating and Supporting Native Creatives on Giving Tuesday
Upcoming Programs Featuring Native Voices
Get Involved
How will you inspire kids by amplifying the voices of Native authors and illustrators?
