Her guidance in the arts has had a lasting effect on our national cultural life. A novelist, short story writer and prolific playwright for radio and stage, she is an inspiring educator and a compassionate, caring individual. She has had a long and successful tenure as Director of the Writing Studio programs at The Banff Centre for the Arts. In addition, through her teaching roles at various workshops including those at the Arctic College in Iqaluit, she has nurtured and supported writers of all ages. She has made an important contribution to the development of Canadian literature in all parts of the country.