An Interview with Sarah Camille Chiago

Last month, we announced the very first recipient of The Carol Shields Prize Foundation Fellowship at the Institute of American Indian Arts, Sarah Camille Chiago. This month, we sit down with Sarah to learn more about her time at IAIA and experiences as a writer. You can also read one of Sarah’s short stories, “Moon Tales,” in the IAIA anthology, Out of Storms Into Stars.

What does literature by women and non-binary writers mean to you?

I feel the most inspired reading literature from Indigenous women, and it is so important to hear more from the voices of writers that are often left unheard. Growing up, I wasn't taught literature written by Indigenous women or non-binary people in school, so now, as a 25-year-old, being able to buy a book or being taught these works in higher education feels incredibly special. Knowing that there are writers representing who I am and where I come from is vital and nourishes my identity as an Indigenous woman and poet.

What are some of the challenges faced by emerging writers?

The challenge emerging writers face is succeeding in the publishing world and being accepted in the mainstream literary world as an Indigenous poet. The competitiveness is highly overwhelming and being told 'no' always hits close to the heart, even when we're told not to take it personally. With the rise of social media, getting work out into the world is easier now than ever, but still, the pressure to flourish and make a stable living is always in the back of my mind.

How will your time at IAIA impact your future writing and career?

My time at IAIA has been one of my most beautiful and profound experiences. Every one of my professors here has helped me grow as a poet, and I never imagined that I would have a future in creative writing if I did not attend IAIA. I'm a senior, and my time at IAIA will be over soon and not knowing what will happen next is scary. Still, many impactful writers have graduated from IAIA, so whatever happens, I know that they have paved a path for me.