northword: A Literary Journal Of Canada’s North
community report northword virtually launches Issue 24 with amalgamation into attachment Our Issue 24 was launched on September 26, 2021 virtu-
ally as attendees celebrated beautiful words, readings, and Alberta Culture Days with us. The magazine had a theme of “Amalgamation,” guest edited by Luay Elja-
mal, Program Manager for Arts Council Wood Buffalo.
He tasked the NorthWord Board to look for a cover artist, and well-known local resin artist, Ambreen Ehtisham
was selected. Her gorgeous piece “Beyond this World,” was the stunning cover.
Luay reflected on the editing process. “It’s been a long-standing dream of mine to lean into
the literary community in Wood Buffalo. In my youth, it was the literary arts that first exposed me to the arts world, and I’ve loved dipping back into that community
through NorthWord magazine. I’d highly recommend guest editing to anyone who’s thinking about doing it.”
Ambreen Ehtisham was honoured to be selected as the cover artist, she said.
by kiran malik-khan PR Director Jane Jacques, Managing Editor, NorthWord, commented, “I was delighted to see so many friends of NorthWord at our Issue 24 launch event. The virtual gathering included
contributors and supporters of the magazine, who all
enjoyed hearing the readings and seeing the stunning new cover by Ambreen Ehtisham. Luay Eljamal, the
guest editor for Issue 24, spoke eloquently about his experiences with NorthWord, and we heard about the upcoming theme of "Attachment" from Issue 25 guest editor Hope Moffatt. From beginning to end, the virtual
launch was a delightful afternoon celebrating the arts community.”
Free copies of NorthWord are available at Mitchell’s Café, Keyano College, Prestige Jewellers, MacIsland, Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts at Holy Trin-
ity High School, the Redpoll Centre, Urban Market and Avenue Coffee.
For real time updates, visit our website at www. northwordmagazine.com, like us on Facebook: www.
facebook.com/northword and follow us on Twitter:
@NorthWordYMM.
“This was my first ever piece inspired by our region’s
natural beauty like the Athabasca River, the northern lights, and the sunrise. Even emotions and memories
play a role in it. The amalgamation here is the merging
of the abstract world with the real world; it was the key
factor for me in selecting this piece for NorthWord. It also reflects the beauty and resilience of our people in Fort McMurray,” explained Ambreen.
Guests enjoyed our standing segment, the discussion between the incoming and outgoing guest editors. Hope
Moffat, a local early childhood consultant, our current guest editor, who chose a theme of “Attachment,” for Issue 25.
“The theme jumped out at me immediately. I thought
about attachment with parents, a significant other, a
place, anything. I’m looking forward to seeing all the submissions,” Hope shared. 2
Issue #24: Amalgamation digital launch event.
