Teen draws from her life to pen award-winning story

MATTAGAMI FIRST NATION -  A local teen hopes her award-winning story will inspire other people to follow their dreams.

Tatum Naveau, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student from Mattagami First Nation, has received the James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Award.

Naveau won for her story How Little Moose Grew Out His Antlers, which explores themes of self-acceptance and personal growth. It follows Little Moose, who learns to embrace his differences with the help of a friend, despite being ridiculed for his appearance.

“It's basically to help people that have insecurities and feel like they need to change themselves. So in the story, Little Moose, who is the main character, wants to have antlers like his other moose friends, and he ends up growing trees on his head,” Naveau said.

Established in 2008, the award recognizes up to six Indigenous students every year. It’s divided into three geographic categories — fly-in community, on reserve and off reserve — with separate awards for junior (12 and younger) and senior (13 to 18) categories. Each winner receives a $2,500 prize.

Naveau drew inspiration from her life experiences for the story. 

“I started at a new school last year. I was living in Sturgeon Falls for a bit and I noticed I changed myself a lot to try to fit in, but I realized I shouldn't do that, and that I should just be myself,” she said.

Initially written as an English assignment, the story caught her teacher’s eye and they submitted it to the competition. She found out she won in August. 

“I was working and my aunt ended up calling me and she said that she got an email from one of the people that ran it, and she said that I had won,” Naveau said.

On Monday (Sept. 16), Naveau was in Toronto for the Lieutenant Governors’ Legacy Awards Ceremony. 

The ceremony pays tribute to the legacies of former Lieutenant Governors, including the Hon. James Bartleman, by recognizing contributions in anti-racism, literature, accessibility and mental health.

Naveau said she hopes her award is not just a personal triumph, but an inspiration for other Indigenous youth. 

“Winning this award is inspiring me to keep writing and I hope my story can inspire others to be true to themselves and pursue their dreams,” she said.

Mattagami First Nation Chief Jennifer Constant said she's "extremely proud" of Naveau's accomplishments.

"I've always known that she was an intelligent young girl, and this recognition is something that makes all of us here in Mattagami proud that one of our youth has achieved this recognition," she said.

"I think Indigenous excellence, especially as it pertains to our youth, is something that is inspiring to other youth, but to everyone that is Indigenous across Canada."