The Canaan Literary Contests were created by Dartmouth NS artist, poet, and playwright David Woods to encourage creative writing among African Nova Scotian writers. The Contests award cash prizes and online publication on the BANNS website for the top entries in the categories of Short Story, Storytelling, Poetry, Spoken Poetry, and Drama. The contests are open to writers at any stage of their careers (professional, mid-career, emerging, and first-time). Entrants must be of African descent and Canadian Citizens or landed Immigrants who have resided in Nova Scotia at least 12 months prior to the contest deadline.

Review all eligibility requirements carefully before submitting.

Writers can submit to more than one contest, provided they meet all eligibility criteria.