Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf

Story Swap: Ladder Awards II
by Linda Ruiter
Story Swap: Ladder Awards II was held at the beautiful Delta Meadowvale Resort in Mississauga, Ontario, September 12th, 13th and 14th, 2003. This exciting event, sponsored by the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf, brought 19 winners of the Story Swap competition from across Canada together to practice their craft, refine their ideas and ready their submissions for publication. ASL storytellers and Deaf literature writers, young novice and experienced adults, met with Deaf and non-Deaf mentors, teachers and authors to polish their work, to receive recognition and to celebrate each others creative journeys.

Hosted by Project Director, Joanne Cripps, and Head of Research and Development, Anita Small, this weekend truly was a celebration! Everything was beautifully organized, from the hotel accommodations, to the workshop sessions, to the awards banquet and ceremony.

On Friday evening participants split into two groups, ASL storytellers and written storytellers. Both groups received presentations on the art of story telling and the process of refining work for professional publication. Helen Pizzacalla and Andrew Byrne, Margie Wolfe and Kathleen McDonnell were the presenters.

Saturday was a workday. Deaf storywriters met with editors Margie Wolfe, Kathleen McDonnell, and Anne Millyard to expand or condense their tales and to establish contracts for ongoing work by email. ASL storytellers performed their stories again and again, receiving valuable one on one feedback from editors Janice Drake, Andrew Byrne, Odete Lopes-Screpnek, and Mario Pizzacalla. They then prepared for professional taping to occur later that day or on Sunday.

Saturday evening participants were treated to a gala dinner and awards presentation, as well as an inspiring speech and performance by Deaf performer, Ann McKercher. Ann’s recapturing of a hilarious Red Skeleton act had the audience howling with laughter. Each winner was presented with a DVD of deafplanet.com and an elegant, engraved glass trophy, sure to be treasured keepsakes.

As the parent of one of the young winners attending the Ladder Workshop, I was struck by the stimulating creative energy everywhere. I wandered about and was particularly drawn to the room where the ASL storytellers were performing in every corner of the room. What a privilege to sit and watch these talented and enthusiastic individuals. It felt as though I were backstage with all the actors warming up for the next scene.

I was also struck by how supportive all of the speakers, hosts, mentors/editors were of the storytellers and writers as well as how all of the winners were so supportive and encouraging towards each other. It warmed my heart to witness and be a part of such community spirit.

Winners of the ASL Storytellers were: Andrew Lisniak, Mari Klassen, Susan Mary, Kristi Mahe, Joshua Laird, John Warren, Quintin Main, Christopher Daeninck, Christopher Creighton-Trotter, Ken Roberts, Greg Desrosiers, Christine Spink-Mitchell, and David Burke.
Winners of the Written Stories were: Keelin Carey, Alexis Domney, Dena Ruiter-Koopmans, Kristina Guevremont, Nicole Marsh, and Nicolas Meloche-Kales.