NorthWord Magazine’s ‘Nonsense’ Issue to Launch in Celebration of Alberta Culture Days

Sep 1

2 min read

The Northern Canada Collective Society of Writers (NCCSW) is excited to announce the launch of NorthWord Magazine’s Issue 34, themed Nonsense, on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

This latest edition, guest edited by local artist Anna Pottie, celebrates the playful, unexpected, and wonderfully absurd side of literary and artistic expression, bringing together a collection of poetry, prose, and artwork from talented writers and artists across the region and beyond.

Following its traditional biannual schedule, the NCCSW is proud to host the autumn launch in continued celebration of Alberta Culture Days, a month-long province-wide initiative that highlights community arts, heritage, and creativity.

Join us as we celebrate the release of Issue 34 at our official launch event:

WHEN: Saturday, September 26, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM), Observation Area, Level 3

Attendees will enjoy author readings, artwork displays, refreshments, a book sale, and the official unveiling of the stunning cover art. The afternoon will also feature a special live musical performance by local guest artists Felt Like Velvet (Jess and Ruben Rotar). Attendees will be among the first to receive a fresh-off-the-press copy of Issue 34, and the society encourages guests to take extra copies to share with friends, family, and colleagues.

There will also be an opportunity to hear a special Q&A between the current and next guest editor of NorthWord as they discuss their creative perspectives, and the process of taking the magazine from one edition to the next. Guests will also have the chance to connect with both editors and learn more about their work and the ideas behind these two unique issues.

"We’re thrilled to bring our readers the 34th edition of NorthWord Magazine," said Dawn Booth, President of NCCSW. "We are also deeply thankful to the Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) for their continued partnership. Marking our seventh event at the airport, this venue has been tremendous for us, offering both a massive space and a prime distribution location."

Thanks to FMAA, parking will be free for all attendees.

Call for Submissions: NorthWord Issue 35

Inspired to submit your own work? The Northern Canada Collective Society for Writers is thrilled to announce local interdisciplinary artist, author, and poet Jamal-e-Fatima Rafat, also known as The Crafted Writer, as the Guest Editor for NorthWord Issue 35.

The theme for this upcoming edition is ‘Resistance’. Rafat will guide the creative direction of Issue 35 around this theme, inviting writers and artists to explore what resistance means to them through poetry, prose, and artwork.

Submissions are now open until October 30, 2026. We welcome submissions from writers and artists of all backgrounds and encourage you to bring your unique perspective and creative voice to this edition of NorthWord.

Don’t miss this opportunity to have your work featured in our next edition!

Send your submissions to northword@hushmail.com.