SLIS alumnus named to the IFLA’s Indigenous Matters Section

Congratulations to SLIS alumnus Kirk MacLeod on being elected to the Indigenous Matters Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)!

Macleod, who is a member of the James Smith Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory, says the role will be both a challenge and an opportunity to model professional service. 

“I've always believed that doing work in the field means being visible where other Indigenous people can see that this is exactly the kind of field for us, so I'm always happy to help, whether globally, nationally, or locally,” MacLeod said.

“[The mission of] the IFLA Indigenous Matters Section is to work collaboratively with librarians around the world to encourage Indigenous leadership in libraries and promote changes in the field that support the needs of Indigenous staff and communities. While Indigenous communities around the world have had vastly different experiences, I'm excited to work with my international colleagues to see what steps can be taken to continuously improve our field,” he added.

MacLeod has long been active in professional associations, from the U of A LIbrary and Information Studies Alumni Association (LiSAA) the Greater Edmonton Library Association and the Edmonton Law Libraries Association to the Library Association of Alberta, where he served two terms as president, to the Canadian Federation of Library Associations, where he is the current chair of their Indigenous Matters Committee. His daughters Lorisia and Kaia are also SLIS graduates.