UNBC is welcoming a Writer-in-Residence to its English program. The position is the first residency cosponsored by Canada Council and UNBC's office of research.

Starting today, award-winning author, Maggie de Vries, will dedicate four months to teaching workshops, hosting consultations, holding readings and talks on campus, with writing students and community groups. De Vries will spend most of her time in Prince George, with visits to UNBC’s three regional campuses in Fort St. John, Terrace, and Quesnel. Ms. de Vries is widely known for her research and writing on trauma, most notably her memoir, Missing Sarah, about the death of her sister, one of the women whose DNA was found on Robert Pickton’s farm. “I'm honoured and excited to be UNBC's first writer-in-residence. Because my sister is one of Vancouver's missing women, I have visited Prince George and the north central region frequently in connection with the ‘Highway of Tears’, and I have grown to love this part of British Columbia.”

“The purpose of a Writer-in-Residence is to encourage exchange between writer and community and to enable authors to work on a dedicated writing project while being supported by funding,” said Karin Beeler, Chair of UNBC’s English department.  “Ms. de Vries will serve as an inspiration to UNBC’s students and we’re honoured to welcome her as our Writer-in-Residence.”

“I am thrilled that I will be spending more time in this region, learning more about local history and culture, building friendships and working with local writers,” said de Vries.
The Canadian Council for the Arts is sharing funding for the program with UNBC. They indicate that successful applicants must be published professionally before the application deadline and their residency should be “of mutual benefit to the writer and to the cultural life of the host’s community.”

“We are proud that the Canadian Council for the Arts is supporting such a valuable program and education in northern British Columbia,” said Beeler. “We hope that this residency marks the start of a new legacy at UNBC, which will see many more Writers-in-Residence over the coming years.”

De Vries was born in Ontario and grew up in Vancouver, BC. She has her BA, BEd and MA, from The University of British Columbia. She has written eight books and published stories and essays in anthologies and magazines.
 

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