Writer-in-Residence

Simon Fraser University's Department of English welcomes the 2024 Ellen and Warren Tallman Writer-in-Residence Junie Désil. She is offering writing consultations to SFU students and the public until December 13th, 2024. Consultations are available in person on Fridays, but some sessions may be available via Zoom. Writers may submit up to ten pages (double spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font) of their work. To book an appointment with Junie to discuss your writing, please email: englsec@sfu.ca.

Photo credit: Joy Unaegbu

Junie Désil

Junie Désil, born to Haitian immigrant parents in Montréal and raised in Winnipeg, has over 20 years of non-profit experience. She has worked extensively in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), specializing in community engagement, leadership, and organizational change. Her debut poetry collection, Eat Salt | Gaze at the Ocean (TalonBooks, 2020), was a finalist for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize. Junie currently lives on the territories of the Homalco, Tla'amin, and Klahoose, working for Vancity as their Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Reconciliation. Her second collection allostatic load is forthcoming in Spring 2025.

Read SFU English's feature story on Junie.

Photos of Junie Désil's Reading and Launch Event

Junie Désil reading on October 3rd at SFU's Harbour Centre campus.

Former writers-in-residence Cecily Nicholson (left) and Mercedes Eng (right) join Junie Désil at her residency launch event.

Junie Désil reading to the audience at her launch event.

Standing from left to right: Stephen Collis, Cecily Nicholson, Junie Désil, Mercedes Eng, and Clint Burnham

With Thanks

The Ellen & Warren Tallman Writer-in-Residence Program gratefully acknowledges generous support from the Shadbolt Endowment, Canada Council for the Arts, SFU's Dean of Arts & Social Sciences, SFU's Department of English, and the Ellen & Warren Tallman Endowment.