Native Creatives at the Highlights Foundation

Native Creatives Voices Book Covers
Native Creatives Group photo

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.

Art Wall celebrating POWWOW DAY at the Barn at Boyds Mills

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

Learn more about the Art Wall.

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.

Traci with Cabin 21

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

Learn more about the Native Creatives Cabin here.

News and Resources

Scholarships for Native Voices at the Highlights Foundation

Native Creatives Scholarship
Diversify Science Scholarship for Illustrators
Floyd Cooper Scholarship
Nikki Grimes Scholarship
Pacific Islander Storyteller Scholarship

Blogs & Podcasts

Cooking Up Stories: Mascot Plus a Recipe and a Prompt

Cooking Up Stories: Mascot Plus a Recipe and a Prompt

Uplifting Indigenous Storytellers on #GivingTuesday

Uplifting Indigenous Storytellers on #GivingTuesday

From Scholarship to Workshop to Book with Traci Sorell

From Scholarship to Workshop to Book with Traci Sorell

Cooking Up Stories: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga Plus a Recipe and a Prompt

Cooking Up Stories: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga Plus a Recipe and a Prompt

Upcoming Programs Featuring Native Voices

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Get Involved

How will you inspire kids by amplifying the voices of Native authors and illustrators?

 

Our Mission in Action

Share Your Story, Inspire a Child
Scholarships
Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
Partners & Sponsors

The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.