of local writers and volunteers and proposed the creation of a literary event in the middle of the bald prairie. In the words of acclaimed poet Lorna Crozier, "Nationally renowned writers invading Moose Jaw ? Why would they come and who'd come out to hear them? Gary seems to be prescient." With no seed money, Gary assumed the lead role in developing the Festival of Words and the first sessions were presented in 1997.

Since its inception, Gary has served as the volunteer Artistic Coordinator of the Festival. Having gained the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Heritage Canada , the Saskatchewan Arts board, the CBC and various corporate sponsors, Gary has guided the growth of the Festival of Words from its modest beginnings to its place as the premier literary event in Western Canada . Each year Gary has been able to attract a stellar line-up of creative Canadians dedicated to the oral and written expression of the English language. Collectively, Festival of Words presenters have won dozens of Governor General's Literary Awards. Due to Gary 's leadership, the Saskatchewan Festival of Words attracts hundreds of visitors from across Canada and the United States every year to participate in Festival activities, making the Festival the top tourist event in Moose Jaw .

It is not often that one person can be talked about as being solely responsible for the creation of a major event such as the Saskatchewan Festival of Words. However, as is usually the case with Gary Hyland, he is the exception to the rule. If it were not for Gary the Festival would not exist, and his ongoing leadership enables to open new opportunities for artists and their readers to dialogue. As Artistic Coordinator for the Festival, Gary uses his broad network to ensure not just adequate funding, but also to bring forward a stellar line-up of Canadian literary talent year after year.