It is with deep sadness that the IEA announces the passing of former council member Amber Boyd.
Amber was a proud citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta (formerly known as the Métis Nation of Alberta. She was a creative soul, channeling her spirit into writing, art, and photography.
Her stories "Life's Nectar" and "Forevermore" are in Amazon's number one best-selling anthology Above and Beneath. Her other published short stories include Howling at the Moon, "The Arcane Protector," "Time Ryder," and "The Gift." In 2019 and 2022, she won second place in the Kemosa contest, and in 2021, her writing was shortlisted for the Constance Rooke CNF Prize, winning her a spot to participate in the Audible Indigenous Writers' Circle. Her previous work experience includes working as an Instructor for the University of Calgary Continuing Education creative writing department.
Amber's artwork has appeared in the Indigenous Motherhood and Matriarchy art show, From the Land: Indigenous Ecological Art for a New Era show, Mino-Pimatisiwin: Reclaiming the "Good Life" photography exhibition, and the Truth and Reconciliation exhibition in Calgary. Amber has been an active volunteer with the Indigenous Editors Association since 2020.
Amber played a pivotal role in the early days and continued growth of the IEA, always showing up with helpful and thoughtful perspectives and a positive attitude. Her presence will be missed dearly.
Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Amber Boyd Legacy Project, info@rockyviewMétis.com. The family kindly requests that no flowers be sent.
Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to Amber's family.
January 21, 2026
The Indigenous Editors Association is a membership organization formed by Indigenous editors, storytellers, and publishing professionals in lands claimed by Canada as a mutual support network. Members include Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and organizations working together to create transformative change in the ways Indigenous stories and knowledges are shared.
We create and share effective tools and initiatives to make publishing more accessible for emerging Indigenous professionals.
We welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and organizations. Whether you're an emerging or well-established industry professional, or an employer looking for the right team member, we can help you advance in your career and connect with others in your field.
A profile on our Indigenous Professionals Directory;
Access to job postings via our Jobs Board;
Invitations to events dedicated to Indigenous members; and
Discounts and member rates from vendors and partners.
Our Jobs Board allows employers to connect with a diverse range of Indigenous professionals, including editors, authors, poets, educators, language experts, Knowledge Keepers, publishers, and not-for-profit organizations.
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Karon ShmonPast-President, Indigenous Editors Association |
I believe the best leaders build capacity in others by encouraging and guiding them to their fullest potential and by removing any obstacles the leader has the influence to remove.
3573 - 515 Hastings St W
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6B 5K3
A info@indigenouseditorsassociation.ca
The lands we live on connect us to the stories of our past and those that will be told in the future-the stories upon which our profession is based. These lands sustain and nourish us, and our relationships with each other help us thrive. The Indigenous Editors Association gives thanks to the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Peoples who continue to steward the lands on which our head office is located, in Vancouver, BC. It is in this spirit of gratitude that we carry out our work as Indigenous members of the publishing community.
