San Carlos Apache College (SCAC) is excited to announce a new home for Indigenous creative expression—the Apache Ember literary journal. Dr. Linda Sue Warner, president of San Carlos Apache College, says, “Apache Ember honors the fire that burns in the hearts of Indigenous people everywhere.”

Rooted in the living traditions of Apache people, the journal’s vision is to ignite the creative spirit of the Nnee through storytelling, poetry, and the written word, honoring the enduring power of Apache wisdom and expression across generations.

In speaking about tending that vision, the editorial staff—all of whom teach or work full-time for SCAC—shared, “We hope this journal uplifts the voices of Apache, Indigenous, and other writers through original works that reflect our languages, traditions, and lived experiences. It’s about cultivating a space for artistic excellence, supporting both emerging writers and artists as well as established ones, strengthening cultural identity and community connection, and serving as a living archive of creative resilience.”

Since 2021, students enrolled in classes at SCAC have been recognized for their fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art through the TCJ Student’s annual student writing and art contests. This newly formed literary space is a natural extension of what these students started. The editorial staff said, “Our students were courageous and vulnerable enough to share themselves with the world through their written and visual expressions. We hope this journal helps carry that momentum forward in a tangible form and supports publishing opportunities beyond the higher education experience.”

The existence of Apache Ember means current students and community members can get hands-on experience in the full spectrum of small-scale publishing, and invites future dreams of literary workshops, writer/artist retreats, youth and community connections, special issues connected with the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s annual poetry contest, and the like.

Apache Ember’s first call for submissions is now live and accepting works of original, unpublished poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, visual art, and hybrid/experimental work from creators whose work reflects Indigenous perspectives. The deadline to submit is August 31, 2025. To receive the full submission guidelines, please contact Apache Ember’s editorial staff at apacheember@apachecollege.org. To submit writing or art for consideration, please visit the Apache Ember.