Diaspora Dialogues Presents the 2025 Canadian-Caribbean Literary Showcase
November 19, 2025
The Canadian-Caribbean Literary Showcase is a three-day celebration of Caribbean voices and their influence on Canadian literature, art, and culture. Over the course of the showcase, audiences are invited to experience a rich mix of readings, performances, conversations, and craft-centred sessions that highlight the depth and diversity of Caribbean storytelling.
From intimate masterclasses and mentorship opportunities to dynamic panels and artistic performances, the showcase brings together writers, poets, and cultural creators from across the Caribbean diaspora. It’s an immersive space to honour Caribbean creativity, explore intergenerational narratives, and celebrate the vibrant role Caribbean culture plays within Canada’s literary landscape.
All event are FREE to attend.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Event Schedule:
Friday December 12
12PM | Masterclass: How to Write Speculative Poetry with Terese Mason Pierre (VIRTUAL)
Speculative poetry has seen, in recent years, a rise in engagement and publication. In this intro to speculative poetry workshop, participants will learn: the basics of defining, writing and identifying speculative poetry; how to use literary devices to enhance the speculative elements in their poems; and how to use poetic types to bridge speculative content and form. Time will also be allotted for writing exercises and sharing resources.
Register here.
1:30PM | Masterclass: How to Self-Publish with Tiara Jade Chutkhan (VIRTUAL)
The self-publishing industry is rapidly growing as more authors look to build a career that gives them complete control over their stories and schedules. Join author and editor Tiara Jade for a masterclass aimed at demystifying the indie publishing process and helping early career authors navigate the key steps in their publishing journey.
Register here.
Saturday December 13 at Heliconian Hall
10:30AM | Masterclass: How to Write a Short Story with Rabindranath Maharaj
This workshop is designed to help you cultivate a distinctive writing voice. It will focus on impactful language composition, authentic character development, and strategic revision techniques to maximize reader engagement.
Register here.
12:30PM | Masterclass: How to Write Poetry with Jayda Marley
Join poet Jayda Marley for a hands-on workshop exploring the craft of poetry and the power of language. Through writing prompts and discussion, you’ll learn how to turn emotion and experience into vivid, honest work. Jayda will share tips on finding your voice, building rhythm, and writing with intention. Open to all levels—come ready to create and connect through words.
Register here.
2:30PM | Writing Home: The Literature of Diaspora & Connection (Panel Discussion)
Join panelists Yolanda T. Marshall and Rabindranath Maharaj for a reflection on what “home” means through story. This conversation explores identity, belonging, and the ways writing connects us across distance and generations. Moderated by Denise Da Costa.
Register here.
3:45PM | Writing History: Storytelling as Resistance and Remembrance (Panel Discussion)
Join panelists Antonio Michael Downing and Pamela Mordecai as they explore how writers revisit and reimagine the past—using story as a tool to preserve memory, challenge dominant narratives, and bring overlooked histories to light. Moderated by Phillip Dwight Morgan.
Register here.
7:00PM | Between the Lines: An Evening of Readings & Performance
Experience an evening of readings and performances that celebrate the depth and diversity of Caribbean and Canadian storytelling, featuring Lillian Allen, Stephanie Wong Ken, Jayda Marley, Alten Wilmot, and Fiona Raye Clarke.
Register here.
Sunday December 14 at Women’s Art Association Of Canada
10:30AM | Writing Non-Fiction 101 with Dalton Higgins
Through a guided discussion, workshop participants will learn how to turn real life experiences into publishable/salable works and how to engage narratives that resonate with today’s readers.
Register here.
12:30PM | How to Set Up a Writing Practice with Matthew Dawkins (Youth Mentorship Workshop)
This workshop will dispel that myth, inviting you to reconnect with your artistic voice, redeem your art’s value, and show up for yourself.
In today’s attention economy, we’re made to believe there aren’t enough hours in the day for our craft. Or worse, that it’s not worth the effort. This workshop will dispel that myth, inviting you to reconnect with your artistic voice, redeem your art’s value, and show up for yourself on the page consistently.
Register here.
2:30PM | Writing Speculative Fiction: Imagining Futures and Other Worlds (Panel Discussion)
Panelists Suzan Palumbo and Lue Palmer explore how speculative fiction allows writers to imagine futures shaped by diverse perspectives and Caribbean influences. Through new worlds and alternate realities, they discuss how the genre reimagines identity, culture, and possibility beyond the present. Moderated by Terese Mason Pierre.
Register here.
3:45PM | Writing Queer Identity: Caribbean Perspectives on Love and Liberation (Panel Discussion)
In this conversation, Tanya Turton and Linzey Corridon explore how queer writers from the Caribbean and diaspora use story to express love, identity, and freedom. Through their work, they challenge convention, affirm authenticity, and celebrate the multiplicity of queer experience across cultures and generations. Moderated by Matthew Dawkins.
Register here.