Missoula Writing Collaborative expands program on Flathead reservation

The Missoula Writing Collaborative http://www.missoulawritingcollaborative.org/ is expanding its creative mission on the Flathead Reservation, thanks to a $5,000 gift from Lois Welch in memory of her late husband, famed American Indian novelist James Welch.

James Welch, author of five novels including "Winter in the Blood" and "Fools Crow," died in 2003.

The James Welch Residency for Young Writers, which began last year at Arlee School, continues this year at Two Eagle River School in Pablo, and will continue for the next three years at schools that Lois Welch will choose.

The head of the collaborative, Megan McNamer, said the gift could not have come at a better time, as funding for the Writing Collaborative’s mission from the National Endowment for the Arts has been cut severely.

"Lois just stepped forward and wanted to give this gift in honor of Jim," she said.

By JAMIE KELLY of the Missoulian

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