President’s Message Language is the old-growth forest of the mind. ~ Wade Davis
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n his CBC Massey Lecture presentations Davis decried the loss of diversity and cultural constellation. He wrote in The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World (2009),
based on his Massey lectures, “The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed at-
tempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.” Davis has been described as a rare combination of scientist, scholar, poet, and passionate defender of all of life’s diversity. It is a writer’s dream to find their voice and tell their stories from their own unique perspective. Our Guild has for more than 42 years advocated on behalf of writers, served writers in all genres, and helped writers at all levels of development to find their voice. It’s important to give voice to Saskatchewan stories, documenting our history and beautiful landscape. The strength of our Guild lies in its diversity and in the many talents of its members. This diversity makes for a cultural richness that supports some of the best writing in the world. Saskatchewan writers affirm our unique cultural experiences and human geography, which greatly enriches our little corner of the world and makes us known far beyond our borders. Saskatchewan writers continue to have a presence on the board of directors for Access Copyright. James Romanow is Board Co-Chair and Katherine Lawrence is a Director on the Board. Katherine and James are our go-to persons if we have issues, concerns or questions regarding Access Copyright. In this my sixth year of serving on the board of directors, I am OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2012
grateful to SWG members and staff. I have acquired a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into creating books and articles written by Saskatchewan writers. I admire the fortitude and tenacity it takes to make a career as an author, especially when we see and hear people question whether or not writing is “real work”. I grew up on a farm. Farming is hard work. I completed a master’s degree while raising four children. That was really hard work. I write. Writing is very hard work. I thank staff members in our Guild office for doing an excellent job. They consistently demonstrate a service oriented, professional, and supportive environment at the office, and at public events representing the SWG. Our Strategic Plan (2011-2016) is working because board members and staff are implementing the plan to fulfil our goals and objectives. Members of the SWG board and staff attended a number of significant and enjoyable events in the last couple of months. We participated in the Saskatchewan Arts Board Gathering and Board Consultations and the Lieutenant
SWG President Cathy Fenwick. Credit: Staff
Governor’s Arts Awards Celebration in Saskatoon on September 18th and 19th. Our Past President, Jerry Haigh brought greetings on behalf of the SWG to the ceremony for the prestigious Cheryl and Henry Kloppenburg Award for Literary Excellence on September 18. The winner of the 2012 Kloppenburg Award is Sharon Butala, a long-time member of the SWG, a multiple award winner, including Officer of the Order of Canada, and world-renowned Saskatchewan writer. Our September Board Meeting was held in Indian Head on the 23rd, following the ever-popular Saturday dinner and readings with members of the writing and reading communities in and around Indian Head. As I write this message our Annual Conference and AGM is just around the corner. This year’s theme is Speaking in Tongues: Writing Voice and Genre, and includes a diverse range of presenters and sessions designed to challenge us to seek an ever-deeper appre-
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