History of WFNB
April 1982
Susanne Alexander, the province’s Cultural Affairs Director, called together a literary advisory committee. The committee agreed to participate in the formation of an association to inform, support and promote writers in New Brunswick.
May 1982
The literary advisory committee met with Greg Cook, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Writers’ Federation.
June 1982
Letters were sent out to known writers.
September 1982
Writers gather for a meeting at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton and agree on the formation of a Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick.
April 1983
The first annual meeting of WFNB is held. Allan Cooper agrees to become President and Dr. Alfred Bailey consents to be Honourary President. A constitution is adopted and members present decide to form a legal association.
1984
WFNB applies for incorporation. The structure consists of a Board of Directors, which is comprised of seven executives, plus two honourary presidents and twelve board members from all areas of the province representing the diversity of writers’ interests.
1985
WFNB’s Literary Competition is created, with prizes in two categories, novel manuscripts (Alfred G. Bailey Prize) and Short Fiction.
1987
A part-time project coordinator is hired.
1992
The WFNB newsletter, New Brunswick Ink, is launched.
1993
An office is established, open on a part-time basis, with phone and answering machine.
1994
The Cooperation Agreement on Cultural Development awards WFNB a grant to work on a Strategic Plan for future development.
1995
A strategic plan is presented at 1995 annual general meeting in Fredericton and, in light of the results of a member survey undertaken as part of the study, WFNB decides on activities and services that will take priority in coming years.
1996
Directory of members published. Editors: Gary J. Langguth and Lachlan MacQuarrie.
>1997
WFNB members make presentations to the Cultural Policy Task Force in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, and Bathurst. WFNB celebrates its 15th annual general meeting with the launch of a WFNB website.
1999
WFNB Executive approves of WFNB Community Branch Program, designed to formalize relationships with community-based writing groups across New Brunswick.
2000
WFNB celebrates WFNB Day with the launch of its Directory of Members 2000, edited by Mary Hutchman, and public readings by members in Saint John, the Kennebecasis Valley, Sackville, and Fredericton.
2001
WFNB holds its annual Alden Nowlan Literary Festival in Fredericton and Canada Council sponsored readings and workshops. Title “Project Coordinator” changed to “Executive Director.”
2002
The second Alden Nowlan Literary Festival pays tribute to Fred Cogswell.
2003
The third Alden Nowlan Literary Festival pays tribute to Robert Gibbs. Amendments to Article 1 by-laws passed at AGM. AGM amended Structure of the Board of Directors to consist of a President, Past President and up to a eight members-at-large.
2004
The fourth Alden Nowlan Literary Festival pays tribute to M. Travis Lane.
2006
Return of the annual Fall Fair.
2007
WFNB participates in the Northrop Frye Literary Festival. WFNB office is moved from Queen Street, to the Charlotte Street Arts Centre in Fredericton.
2008
After 10 years, Mary Hutchman resigns and Michelle Lovegrove Thomson is hired as Executive Director.
2009
Longtime NB Ink and website editor Lee Thompson takes over as Executive Director. WFNB conducts its first Members Survey since 1995. Our AGM is transformed into a festival called WordSpring. Our FallFair becomes WordsFall. Our office in the Charlotte Street Arts Centre is closed. WFNB launches Breaking the Word Barrier: Stories of Adults Learning ot Read in collaboration with Laubach Literacy NB. In October a 6-city Road Show begins to promote the book and literacy. A year of changes!
2010
WFNB celebrates its 25th Anniversary (since incorporation) at WordsFall in Miramichi, where many founding members are honoured. Our literary competition once again becomes an NB-only affair and is a smashing success.
2011
At the AGM in Sussex, during WordsSpring, by-laws are changed and the board of directors expands to 10 members at large. Nancy Bauer replaces Travis Lane as our Honourary President.<
Funding
The WFNB is a non-profit organization which is funded primarily by the Department of Sports and Culture, Government of New Brunswick, supplemented by membership dues, donations, event registration fees, and occasional project grants. The WFNB has annual Canada Council sponsored readings and workshops and an annual Literary Competition.
