In this event, OCAD's Collections Librarian Lindsay Gibb interviewed Kelly Boutsalis, a journalist from the Six Nations reserve, focusing on a few of Boutsalis' recent works including her articles from Elle, CBC Life, and The Narwhal. Boutsalis discussed her struggles in getting Indigenous stories published earlier in her career. With the "Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls" movement shedding light on several issues in Indigenous communities, including alarming rates of substance abuse, mental health disorders and suicide, Boutsalis wanted to counter the constant negativity while sharing Indigenous stories. She discussed the importance of creating a balance between giving humanity and respect, while lifting people up through positive narratives.
Boutsalis' work focuses on positive Indigenous stories, and she hopes that through careful observation, education, compassion, and sharing these stories, that Canadians can further support Indigenous peoples and communities.
"I'm a writer and journalist based in Toronto, previously from the Six Nations reserve. My work has appeared in Elle Canada, The Walrus, Toronto Star, The Narwhal, Parade, Mashable, Chatelaine and NOW Magazine."