northword: A Literary Journal Of Canada’s North
contributors
kiran malik-khan is the Communications Manager for the
douglas abel is an actor, director, writer, theatre histo-
journalist and loves telling community stories. As well, she
rian and voice and speech teacher. He often strives to be
is a strong advocate for inclusion, diversity, women’s rights,
detached—and very rarely succeeds. Karma.
and multiculturalism. She has two beautiful boys, She-
lasha barbosa writes, “I'm a self-taught artist residing in
Fort McMurray Public School Division. She is a freelance
heryar and Shahzaib.
Fort McMurray, Alberta; you can find my artwork in art gal-
Fort McMurray based since 2012, tineesha mckay is an
leries across North America. In my spare time, I battle brain
interdisciplinary visual, performing and literary artist. After
tumors and help run The PGCT & Mental Health Awareness
performing and teaching dance for most of her life, Tinee-
Campaign. To find out more visit: www.thebarbosacom-
sha originally found artistic inspiration through movement.
pany.com.”
The evolution of her work has been inspired by her diverse
dawn booth is an award-winning community journalist, communications expert, storyteller and poet. With 20 years of experience in the print media field, the Humber College
heritage and adverse life experiences. Through writing, photography, design, and dance, Tineesha uses art to connect with herself and others.
journalism graduate has worked as a newspaper and maga-
Originally from Drumheller, Alberta, scott meller has now
zine editor in the Wood Buffalo region for over a decade. As
called Fort McMurray home for more than 20 years. Scott
an ambassador for literature, Dawn is the President of the
is a proud Champion of the arts with his colleagues at
Northern Canada Collective Society of Writers and Literary
Arts Council Wood Buffalo, and an ever seeking student of
Arts Director for Arts Council Wood Buffalo. She resides in
new, interesting, and fulfilling artistic practice. When not
Fort McMurray, Alberta, with her husband of 10 years and
championing arts, or learning new expression, Scott can be
three children.
found spending time with his wife, Natasha, and daughters,
cj (chris) bowers s a writer and actor who is proud to have called Fort McMurray home for the last ten years. His pas-
Emelia and Evelyn, enjoying every nuance the world has to offer, and pursuing happiness.
sion for writing is fuelled by his experiences living in the
jessica roy writes, “Originally from Saskatchewan, I have
north, as well as the landscapes and people that surround
been a resident of Fort McMurray for 30 years. I have recently
him. You can read more of his work on his website, the
retired and am proud to say that I was a teacher and admin-
cjbuzz.com.
istrator of the Fort McMurray Public School Division for 29
sherry duncan is a passionate wife, mother, nana, teacher, artist, crafter and creative writer. She supports local theater
years. I have been married to my husband, Robin, for 31 years and we have one daughter, Lillian, who is 25 years old.”
volunteering, is a poet, presenter, advocate for children,
j alfred thomas grew up in a small BC town that became
summer loving, camp fire cooking, wine drinking, northern
big… so he moved to another small BC town. He builds, he
lights chasing lover of the north.
writes, he teaches. He is content.
robin elson has lived in Northern communities for most of
kevin thornton has over 25 short stories published in books,
her life and enjoys all that comes along with it. Along with
collections and magazines, as well as poems hither and yon.
a passion for her family and community, she enjoys reading,
He dislikes but abides by the practice of third person biogra-
writing and painting.
phy, and is a fan of brevity.
hanna fridhed is a Swedish theatre and literary artist who
zachary wood is Ontario born but has lived in Fort McMur-
is rediscovering her love for the written word.
ray for over a decade. He has been married for 2 and a half years and is the son of Dave Wood.
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