The Malcolm Margolin Fellowship for California Indigenous Writers is a meaningful tribute to Malcolm's enduring legacy and his dedication to Indigenous writers during his 40 years as founder and publisher of Heyday Books. Malcolm also founded California Institute for Community, Art and Nature, co-founded the Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Inlandia Institute, and was instrumental in the creation of the California Basketweavers Association and Advocates for Indigenous California Language Survival.
This fellowship not only honors Malcolm’s significant contributions but also celebrates and supports California Indigenous writers of any genre and at various stages of their writing projects. Malcolm was a resident at Mesa Refuge in 2017.
About Malcolm Margolin
Malcolm Margolin was a pivotal figure in the literary world, recognized for his passionate advocacy of California's Indigenous cultures and his contributions to independent publishing. As the founder of Heyday in 1974, he dedicated his career to amplifying the voices of Indigenous writers and preserving the rich narratives of California's diverse communities. He is the author of the groundbreaking book The Ohlone Way: Indian Life in the San Francisco-Monterey Bay Area.
Under his 40 years of leadership, Heyday published a wide range of works that celebrate the state’s cultural heritage, encompassing Indigenous history, folklore, and contemporary issues. Shortly after founding Heyday, Malcolm also launched News from Native California, a quarterly magazine devoted to the vibrant cultures, arts, languages, histories, social justice movements, and stories of California’s diverse Indian peoples. Malcolm’s commitment to inclusive storytelling has not only enriched California's literary landscape but also fostered a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives among broader audiences. Malcolm passed away in 2025 and has left an indelible mark on the literary community, underscoring the importance of diverse narratives and cultural representation.
Photo credit: Christopher Michel
