Contest Elements

Contest - Write and submit an essay of 500 - 600 words. It is open to students in grades 7 - 12. This is an open theme essay contest around aspects of Tribal Culture. The writer will choose their own topic. Below are some suggestions.

Awards - 1st Place $200, 2nd Place $100, 3rd Place $50

Submit entries by e-mail to aisource8@gmail.com - Deadline for entries is June 10 @ 12:00 midnight. Include name, grade and school attended. Entries will be kept anonymous for judging.

All entries will be judged and winners announced and awards given at the Pow wow By the Sea at Imperial Beach Pier June 18th or mailed.
Good luck to all. For questions E-MAIL aisource8@gmail.com

Possible Topics or Categories

Go to Roy Cook's Webpage - americanindiansource.com and read through the articles, find one you relate to. Use it as your inspiration to write. A webpage has been created that summarizes the long list of articles and you can Click Here to View It.

Other Topics or Ideas

Write a bio about a person who is a cultural mentor to you.

How have you integrated your culture into your experience in the larger world?

What are your plans for the future and how have they been shaped by your tribal cultural traditions?

In the urban setting it's often difficult to maintain your cultural connections and traditions. Share ways you've been able to retain these?

How has the digital age influenced tribal culture?

Roy always encouraged everyone to write and write often. Write something everyday. Keep a journal, write notes or a review/summary when you travel or go somewhere. It seems fitting that this contest was developed in his memory. Three themes were always in his thoughts and writing. He wanted to document and share Aspects of Culture. What things as Tribal people do we share and what traditions make us unique. Research was a gift and passion of his, therefore much of his writing brings to light and awareness of the 'rest of the story'. Roy felt it was important to Honor, Respect and Know individuals who made a difference in our communities and in our lives and history, so he researched and wrote about these.