First Nations teen wins provincial accolade for poem about late cousin
By Sam Laskaris
TORONTO – What started off as a high school assignment blossomed into some provincial recognition for an Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation teenager.
Taylor Goodfellow is one of four recipients of this year’s James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Awards.
Bartleman, who was a member of Chippewas of Rama First Nation, died in 2023. He served as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor from 2002 through 2007.
The creative writing awards in his honour are annually presented to Indigenous students, who are 18 or under. There are both Junior (12 years old or younger) and Senior (13-18 years old) categories.
Winners were presented with awards at a recent ceremony in Toronto.
Goodfellow captured top honours in the senior category for writers who live on reserve. She wrote a poem titled I Miss You.
“I wrote a poem about my cousin who passed away and my feelings about it,” Goodfellow said. “It’s kind of like a storyline poem. It has dates with it.”
Goodfellow, who is now in her first year of the Music program at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, wrote her poem towards the end of her Grade 12 year. She graduated from Manitoulin Secondary School, located in M’Chigeeng First Nation, this past June.
“It was originally for an extra credit,” she said. “But I dove more into it, and I came back to it, and I added to it.”
Goodfellow’s cousin died in May of 2025.
“I have a hard time connecting with others and talking about how I’m feeling,” she said. “So, it was a way for me to get out my feelings in a way that felt comfortable for me.”
Goodfellow was obviously thrilled that her poem received some recognition at the provincial level.
“It felt pretty good to be recognized for something so personal to me,” she said.
In a press release announcing the recipients, it was stated that Goodfellow’s poem “explores the complexities of grief, healing, and human connection. Taylor captures the experience of loss with honesty and sensitivity, creating a meaningful reflection on family, resilience, and the lasting impact of those we love.”
For her efforts, Goodfellow will be awarded a $2,500 cash prize.
“I’ll definitely put it towards school, just because I’m in music and I have to buy so many little things,” she said. “I have to get an adaptor, headphones, and performance clothing for my program. So, I’ll definitely use it towards that.”
For the second straight year, Goodfellow was also named as Miss Aundeck Omni Kaning at her First Nation’s pow wow held in June.
“It’s basically a way for me to represent my community at ceremonies, pow wows, and other events,” she said of her princess title.
Goodfellow added that many from her First Nation were supportive as she mourned her cousin’s passing.
“My community is a big part of who I am,” she said. “Around all that grief, I had a ton of support from my community. So, I felt it was a good way to wear it.”
Goodfellow, who turned 18 on September 28, had also entered a poem in the same contest last year.
Meanwhile, two other Anishinabek youth were also recipients of James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Awards this year.
Nate Traintinger, a citizen of Red Rock Indian Band, wrote a piece titled Max and the Promise.
He was a winner in the Junior On-Reserve category.
Traintinger’s work “uses storytelling to promote environmental stewardship and respect for the natural world. He draws on his connection to the land and Indigenous teachings to inspire readers to protect wildlife, waterways, and the environment for future generations.”
And Damian-James Waindubence, a citizen of Sheguiandah First Nation, was a winner for his work called The Night Time of The Mist.
The press release said he had a “vivid imagination and flair for suspense” which brought an original mystery to life.
“Through inventive storytelling, unexpected plot twists, and engaging characters, Damian-James showcases his creativity and a talent for imaginative fiction,” the release added.
Traintinger and Waindubence will also receive $2,500 each.