VOICES IN RELATION

A living, intergenerational space for Indigenous languages, voices, and creatives. Allies welcome. Starts May 2026. SIGN UP NOW before April 30, 2026.

 
 

Program Overview:

The Voices in Relation program is powered by The Polyglot in partnership with Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization (SILR).

This program supports the gathering of intergenerational creators (e.g., writers, poets, multimedia artists, storytellers, language keepers, and cultural practitioners) whose creative work contributes to the vitality of Indigenous languages and cultures.

This space is:

  • For Indigenous creatives, first and foremost

  • Open and welcoming to non-Indigenous allies.

The program encourages:

  • intergenerational connection

  • creative experimentation

  • language-based art-making

  • individual and/or collaborative work

Outcomes may include new works or evolved existing pieces across mediums such as (but not limited to):

  • Visual, fibre and sculpture art

  • Poetry & storytelling

  • Performance & music

  • Multimedia art

Program Timeline:

  • Applications Open: April 6 – April 30, 2026

  • Program Period: May – July 2026

  • Public Celebration: October 18, 2026 (during LitFest)

What You’ll Experience:

Creative Workshops and Shared Spaces

  • Four (4) in-person gatherings in Edmonton, AB (could be hybrid-digital, based on locations of applicants) led by Indigenous artists, poets, and knowledge keepers

  • Opportunities for:

    • Art-making

    • Shared learning

    • Co-mentorship

    • Interconnection

    • Optional self-organized co-creation sessions (“co-playing spaces”)

Publication and Public Sharing

  • Magazine Feature (The Polyglot – Issue 18)

    • Selected works published in a special issue

    • Curated by Indigenous guest editor(s)

    • Print + digital integration (QR-linked works)

  • Online Gallery

    • Participant work and stories featured on The Polyglot website

  • Program Celebration (LitFest)

    • Selected participants invited to showcase their work

Community Steward Roles (Paid)

  • We invite up to 4 Indigenous program participants to step into paid Community Steward roles.

  • Stipend: $500

  • These roles honour the often unseen work of:

    • Care

    • Relationship-building

    • Cultural stewardship

  • Responsibilities include:

    • Fostering connection and collaboration among participants

    • Supporting respectful engagement and relational accountability

    • Encouraging collaborative or collective works

    • Co-shaping the final showcase event & the magazine curation (with editors + team)

Who This Is For:

Priority is given to Indigenous creators of all ages, all experience levels, working in any artistic medium, and either actively engaging in—or curious about—Indigenous language revitalization.

Also welcome are Non-Indigenous allies participating with care and respect, in alignment with the shared stewardship of Indigenous languages and stories as Treaty people.

SIGN UP NOW:

Sign-ups for the program close April 30. If you have any questions, please email thepolyglotmagazine@gmail.com.

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