Indigenous Creative Nonfiction Prize (Chapter House 2026 Summer Issue)

2026 Summer Issue: Celestial Bodies: Honoring the Stars, the Moon, and Sky Submission Guidelines

On April 1, 2026, NASA launched the Artemis II crew into space to conduct a flyby of Earth’s moon. During the nine-day mission, photos, videos, and audio were shared that intrigued the world, reminding us, as humans, we are only a small part of the immense history of Nihimá Nahasdzáán, Yethi’nisténha Ohóntsya, Uŋčí Makhá, alongside all our Indigenous relatives whose name for Earth is not recorded.

Photos of recent images of the moon’s surface. Videos of joy, of discovery, of creation. A shared moment of grief, a love that does not fade. This occasion served as a reminder of how colossal the galaxy is, how it truly remains a mystery.

We invite our writers to reflect on this current event, how the moon brought you joy, what you imagine as stars glow above us. For Indigenous people, stories that can include star-beings, stories held in their formation. The moon has her own story, protecting Nihimá Nahasdzáán producing stories, songs, and poems for centuries.   

As inhabitants of Nihimá Nahasdzáán, Yethi’nisténha Ohóntsya, Uŋčí Makhá, etc., we ask contributors to envision a universal experience of warmth where, in darkness, stars appear—glitter above us hold galaxies—and in light, who has been here for millions of years long before us and will be here long after our time.

This issue will prove to be special, one that commences our Inaugural Indigenous Prize for Creative Nonfiction, to be selected by our wonderful guest judge, Cynthia J. Sylvester.

As our guest judge penned in her book, The Half-White Album: “These pieces, poems and stories, are my songs that I offer to the night sky with the hope that at dawn the ancient deities will see me—see us—and remember our names.” Open for submissions from May 1 through June 30. 

Submit one full-length piece or up to three shorter pieces, totaling no more than 5,000 words combined. 

•  We encourage submissions that take risks in form, language, and perspective while remaining grounded in truth. 
• Authors must identify as Indigenous (including Pacific Islander and other Indigenous and Indigenous-adjacent identities).
• Please include a cover letter with a brief bio, identify your tribal affiliation/indigenous ancestory and any relevant context for your work.
•  Double-space your manuscript and use a standard, readable font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12 pt).
•  All work must be previously unpublished, including on personal blogs or websites.
•  Simultaneous submissions are welcome; please notify us promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere.

We are especially interested in work from Indigenous, Black, Brown, queer, trans, disabled, neurodivergent, and otherwise marginalized voices. Writers from all backgrounds are welcome to submit.

About Chapter House Journal

Mission Statement

Chapter House Journal is an online literary journal committed to empowering and uplifting Indigenous and marginalized stories, values, cultures, and art. We publish writers and artists from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, styles, and aesthetics whose work aligns with this mission. We strongly encourage submissions from Native American, First Nation, and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, individuals with disabilities, and all members of historically marginalized communities. We welcome submissions from both emerging and published writers.

Housed within the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Low Residency MFA Program, we publish issues on a biannual basis. We accept submissions in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and visual art. All submissions, including solicitations, are read by our dedicated editors, comprised of IAIA MFA students and faculty advisors. Our editors also manage publication decisions, website design, and blog content. 

We are committed to serving as a literary well for Indigenous and marginalized communities. We warmly invite all creators with aligned interests and passions to contribute to this powerful, dynamic, and ever-growing landscape of art and literature.

Visit our website at chjournal.com