I Am Indigenous

Kelsey Mata Foote (Jaax̱snée) is a Tlingit and Filipina illustrator, writer, and producer from Ketchikan, Alaska. Her inspiration is rooted in a Southeast Alaska childhood--one filled with family, putting up fish, exploring the Tongass with her older brothers, and celebrating her heritage. Kelsey's creative work debuted with Celebration!, a children's book produced by Sealaska Heritage Institute's Baby Raven Reads program, whichreceived the American Indian Youth Literature Award - Picture Book Honor in 2024. Kelsey and her brother, artist Nick Alan Foote, are currently the lead illustrators for a three-year language revitalization project that includes nine children's books and animated shorts in the Tlingit language.