Indigenous Editors Circle: Connecting, Collaborating and Celebrating Indigenous Stories

In May 2025, the Indigenous Editors Association (IEA) will welcome 17 Indigenous and 13 non-Indigenous delegates to the first Indigenous Editors Circle since 2017. 

Foundations of the Indigenous Editors Circle

The Circle has a long-standing history. While the first Circle was held in 2014, with subsequent gatherings in 2015 and 2017, its development was preceded by nearly a decade of research and consultation. 

Beginning in 2005, Joanne Gerber, then with the Saskatchewan Arts Board, engaged in discussions with Indigenous writers, funders and publishers to ensure that texts by and about Indigenous Peoples reflected Indigenous worldviews and storytelling traditions. At the same time, Gregory Younging, publisher and author of Elements of Indigenous Style (which can be ordered via Brush Education), was advocating for culturally respectful approaches to Indigenous narratives. These efforts led to the formation of the IEA, which has since championed the respectful and accurate publication of Indigenous stories.

Following Younging’s passing in 2019 and the onset of the global pandemic, the Circle was placed on hiatus. In 2025, the IEA is reintroducing the Circle, marking a significant step in revitalizing this essential initiative. The upcoming gathering will take place from May 4 to 9 at the En’owkin Centre in Penticton, B.C. — a location deeply significant to Younging and his work.

The 2025 Indigenous Editors Circle

The 2025 Indigenous Editors Circle will feature discussions and workshops on topics such as authenticity reads, working with Indigenous languages, LGBTQ2S+ issues in publishing, Indigenous intellectual property rights and identity. Faculty members are Stephanie Sinclair (publisher at McClelland & Stewart), Jessica Johns (author and University of Alberta faculty) and David Robertson (author and public speaker). They will be joined by guest speakers Billy-Ray Belcourt, Lorena Sekwan Fontaine, Kayla Larson, Sandra Samatte and katherena vermette.

By prioritizing cultural considerations alongside technical aspects of writing and editing, the Circle aims to educate Indigenous publishing professionals who can serve as bridges between Indigenous authors and the broader publishing community. This approach aligns with Younging’s vision of editors as agents of reconciliation — advocating for Indigenous storytellers and ensuring Indigenous stories are told with integrity.

This year, Indigenous participants represent a broad spectrum of the industry, including writers, agents and publishers. Non-Indigenous publishers will join midweek to deepen their understanding of protocols for working with Indigenous stories.

Looking forward

The IEA is committed to making the Indigenous Editors Circle a regular professional development opportunity. Plans are in place to hold the Circle every three years, with the goal of increasing its frequency to every two years. The Circle will also become a cornerstone of the Four Directions Professional Development Program, which will include mentorship, internships and webinars.

How to get involved

The IEA continues to grow its membership to strengthen the publishing sector in Canada. The association significantly expanded their membership categories in November 2024, and individuals interested in joining can visit the IEA’s membership page. Members are encouraged to volunteer to help grow the IEA’s capacity to support Indigenous publishing professionals.

Support for the 2025 Circle and future gatherings can be provided through financial or in-kind donations. Your support removes barriers to participation for Indigenous attendees and can be a form of reconciliation in action. It ensures that voices historically prevented from sharing their stories can participate in this cultural event. Please help us connect, collaborate and share through this initiative.

For those interested in professional development opportunities, the IEA offers a newsletter with updates on upcoming events, including webinars based on Circle content that will launch in late spring 2025. Sign up on any page of the website.

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