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EDMONTON-Aboriginal women who have a story to tell about rising above or overcoming some obstacle in life now have an opportunity to see their words in print. The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) is collecting first-person accounts written by Aboriginal women, which they plan to publish at the end of the year. The idea sprung from the Esquao Awards, where a lot of ideas were generated about giving Aboriginal women a voice.

What they're looking for are stories that reflect the unique experience of individuals and that each writer feels is significant and meaningful. It might be an important event in your life that you remember because it has left its mark on you or changed you in some way. It could be some change you have brought about through your struggles and effort.

According to IAAW president Muriel Stanley Venne, the purpose of creating this book is to reflect the beauty and worth of Aboriginal women, an objective that is consistent with other projects undertaken by the organization.

Stanley Venne says they will accept stories up to Oct. 1 for the book project. About 20 stories are in the hands of IAAW editor Ruth Bertelsen so far.

There is no restriction on length, Stanley Venne says, but submissions are subject to editing. If they get a lot of stories, some may have to be shortened. Venne suggested a couple of pages is about right. Handwritten stories are acceptable, but typewritten is preferred. When you send in your story, try to find three pictures of yourself to go with it. They would like photographs of the contributors that were taken in their youth, photographs of them growing up, and finally, current snapshots. Because this is not a profit-making venture, there will be no payment for articles. To keep publication costs down, the book will probably be produced in black and white. Copies of the book will be distributed to appropriate locations, undecided as yet, and it will also be kept in IAAW archives. Contributors will be asked to sign a waiver giving IAAW permission to publish and distribute their work. For more information about sharing your story call their toll-free number 1-877-471-2171.