HISTORY Waterloo newspaperman Herb Smith is
credited as founder of the Outdoor Writers of Canada in 1957. With Smith as the
OWC's first president, the charter membership consisted of newspaper and
magazine writers, but has since grown to include authors, script writers,
photographers, cinematographers, artists, illustrators, radio & television
personalities, lecturers, public relations specialists, and outdoor industry
contacts.
The original concept behind the OWC was craft improvement, but it quickly
became evident that there was a need to work closely with government, industry,
organizations and private interests to educate and promote the responsible use
of Canada's natural resources.
2008, OWC Headquarters moved to Cochrane, Alberta.
OBJECTIVES To stimulate
interest in and an appreciation of the outdoors. To stimulate high standards of
craftsmanship among those concerned with the portrayal of outdoor life. To
co-operate with others in support of the responsible use(s) of Canada's natural
resources.
OUR CREED We
believe...
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that truth, accuracy and fairness are fundamental in
reporting the outdoors.
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that the ethics of our craft demand a responsibility to
search out facts and present them honestly and conscientiously.
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it to be a public trust never to permit personal gain to sway
our judgement or to stoop to plagiarism.
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that no member should solicit any goods and / or services for
consideration, direct or indirect, whether promotional or otherwise, that would
influence or appear to influence the truth, accuracy and fairness in his or her
reporting about the outdoors.
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CHRONOLOGOY
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1957
OWC founded by Herb Smith at the Toronto Men's Press
Club
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1958
1st Annual Meeting held at Shoofly Lodge, ON
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1963
Outdoor Writing Awards competition established
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1967
OWC hosts the 1st World Congress of Outdoor Writers at
Mont Tremblant, PQ
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1974
Pete McGillen Award introduced - Ernie Taylor, 1st
recipient
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1975
Quebec chapter separates from the OWC
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1986
Craft improvement supplement added to Inside Outdoors
newsletter
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1990
OWC constitution drafted / amended / adopted
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1998
OWC website posted on the InterNet
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1999
Membership survey conducted
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2000
OWC Strategic Plan 2000 - 2004 adopted
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