Seeking Indigenous American Writer for Bikepacking Route Project

The forthcoming Eastern Divide Trail is made up of eight segments that were delineated based on multiple factors, including qualified starting and ending points, distance, and the character of the regions they pass through. What they each have in common is the presence of one or more truly unique geographical features that define the Eastern Continental Divide itself.

When we first started brainstorming a naming schema for the eight segments, our initial idea was to title each one after a prominent peak, river, or mountain range. However, we realized that a lot of these names have complex histories, many of which are bastardized versions of an Indigenous name, or names that replaced them. Examples include Mt. Mitchell—the tallest peak on the east coast—Mount Katahdin, the Chattahoochee River, and the Appalachian Mountains, among others. We think that understanding the historical etymology of some of these places will increase riders’ appreciation for them and enhance the overall riding experience on this route.

We understand that Indigenous Peoples are not a homogeneous group and that one individual can’t speak for a diverse group of peoples with their own distinct cultures and histories, but think that an Indigenous person can offer a more thoughtful perspective on this than the ones we’ve most often read or heard. To accomplish this, we’re looking to hire a writer or writers to help out. Here are the details:

Preferred Qualifications

• Amateur or professional writer(s) with previously published work
• Member of one or more of the Native nations through which the Eastern Divide Trail travels
• Experience and interest in historical research

Goals

To highlight the history of select geographical landmarks along the route with emphasis on the history and cultural importance of those places. Ideas include name origins, backstory, places sacred to certain cultures, etc. We’re open to ideas and would defer to our Indigenous writers’ expertise on which aspects are the most important to highlight.

Deliverables

We are looking for eight excerpts, each approximately 250 words, that will highlight one or two of these geographical features. Each excerpt will be highlighted on a corresponding digital route segment guide within our website and may be used in other media for future publications.

Budget

We have a budget of $1,000 and a fairly flexible deadline with the first two guides nearing completion and publication at the beginning of May.

Apply

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