Saad Prize Submissions

2026 Prize Cycle

Theme: VERBS — Land / Language / Future
Presented by Hootso in partnership with Navajo Technical University

The Saad Prize is literary award and incubator recognizing poetry, writing, and storytelling that engages questions of land, language, community, and collective futures.

Through this call, Hootso invites Diné writers and storytellers to share work that reflects how language moves through community and contributes to the ongoing work of Diné life

Awards & Eligibility

The Saad Prize recognizes poets across multiple stages of artistic practice. The Saad Prize and awards are open to enrolled Diné citizens. Writers of an experience levels are encourage to submit. All awards include cash prizes and recognition through the Hootso website and Navajo Technical University. Please submit to the category that best reflects you.

The Saad Prize in Diné Poetics

The flagship award recognizing a poem of exceptional craft and civic resonance.
Open to citizens of the Navajo Nation age 21 or older.

Incubator Awards

The Saad College Award
Open to Diné students currently enrolled in undergraduate degree programs.

The Saad Youth Awards
Open to Navajo Nation citizens currently enrolled in high school.

The Saad Storyteller Award
Recognizing artists working in oral storytelling and spoken narrative traditions. Open to citizens of the Navajo Nation age 21 or older.

Submission Guidelines

Deadline

April 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Mountain Time)

Poetry Submissions

• Poets may submit up to four poems.

• Each poem should be no longer than two pages.

• Poems should be submitted in one document (PDF or Word preferred). No identifying information should be included on the submission file.

Storytelling Submissions

• Storytellers may submit one storytelling piece.

• Audio and video submissions should not exceed 10 minutes.

  • Accepted file types: mp3, wav, m4a, mp4, mov, phone, or Zoom recordings

  • Alternatively, storytellers can submit links to past performances, including YouTube or Instagram posts.

  • All links should be submitted in one document (PDF or Word preferred) with active hyperlinks.

• Note: Due to the nature of oral storytelling traditions, storytelling submissions will be reviewed as submitted. Storytellers should take care to share narratives that respect the knowledge, traditions, and privacy of their families and communities. Hootso recognizes that Diné storytelling carries deep connections to identity, place, and teaching. The Saad Prize seeks to honor these traditions by allowing stories to be heard as they are told, with the voice and perspective of the storyteller present.

How to Submit

Please complete the appropriate form below requesting your name, contact information, prize category, and submission file(s).