On 2 June 2025 the IVAs had a mentorship event for emerging Indigenous writers in Toronto and had the chance to ask some attendees about the impact of these awards. Title: “The Story of the IVAs” . Featuring emerging Indigenous writers such as Brandi Bird, Cody Caetano, and Jesset Karlen, emcees Leah Alfred-Olmeda and Liv Abram, as well as supporters Daniel Heath Justice and Stephanie Sinclair plus IVAs co-chairs Sophie McCall and Deanna Reder. Thanks very much to the interviewer, IVAs publicist Katie Saunoris, and videographer Maya Chariandy. Filmed in the amazing Toronto It’s OK Space. Much gratitude to Bookshop Owner and Event planner extraordinaire, Anju Gogia from Another Story Bookshop.
