Storyteller. Writer. Consultant.
Franco-Ontarienne. Feminist.
International Development Communications Expert.
Creator of La Tourtière.
Bonjour! Hello!
Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé
For over 20 years, I have told stories from around the globe, devoting my career to working in the international development, cooperation and humanitarian sector in Canada, Africa and beyond.
I started my career at the Canadian International Development and Cooperation Agency (CIDA), by way of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Mastercard Foundation and Plan International Canada.
I have accompanied changemakers – including Nobel Prize laureates, world leaders, and emerging activists – as they gave voice to some of the globe’s most pressing issues, often for the first time.
A Franco-Ontarian, I have written about Canada and Ontario's francophonies for La Presse, Le Droit, ONFR+, Le Voyageur, The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and TVO.org.
I have provided punditry for Radio Canada, appearing regularly on Jonction 11-17, a program broadcast across northern Ontario. I have also appeared on The Agenda (TVO), The Globe and Mail's podcast The Decibel and several Radio Canada programs in Ontario and across Canada.
I am the proud creator of La Tourtière, a bilinguish blog that offers insight on Canada’s Francophonie, on the raw beauty of our unique parler, the politics that entangle us, and the ways in which we are shaping the future of our communities.
As a Francophone and English-speaking raconteuse, I am deeply committed to justice and equity, to decolonizing and localizing narratives, and to telling authentic stories of change.
As a writer, I am committed to telling stories that transcend, unite and mobilize activists and leaders to action.
As a consultant, I am determined to support clients as they discover, develop and refine their voice.
Get in touch and let's talk!
Projects
In 2013, Star reporter Raveena Aulakh revealed the difficult life of children working in garment factories. Fast fashion is still a thorny issue. By Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé
A commentary on the state of French in Canada – and how Francophone Ontario must resist. By Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé
The story of how youth at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Uganda educated the next generation of youth in their community. The Village tells the story of Joseph Munyambanza, Favorite Regina and other youth from Kyangwali who are transforming their community. By Joseph Munyambanza for the Mastercard Foundation. Edited by Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé and Rebecca Stoneman.
On the eve of COP27, young people around the globe demand a funding mechanism for loss and damage caused by climate change. By Anjum Sultana and Ineza Umuhoza Grace for Plan International Canada. Edited by Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé and Kristen Ostling.
A critical look at how la Francophonie fared in Canadian news in 2022. By Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé.
In their own words, Muslim women from Montreal speak about the importance of hijab. Images and testimonials of activists Dalila Awada and Zoubida Maallah are included in the Canadian History Hall, a permanent exhibit on Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms at the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa.
It was a manifestation of immense colonial hubris – one of the most expensive public works projects of its day, an architectural marvel built on the backs of those it would incarcerate. It was also the scene of brazen escapes, of riots with tragic outcomes, and of the often unspeakable cruelty of the prison experience. For nearly 180 years, Kingston Penitentiary would serve as Canada’s oldest and most notorious prison, incarcerating men, women, and children.
A commentary on the importance of honouring accents on Ontario driving permits. By Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé
It was 1973, a shining era of francophone “Frog Power” in the Nickel City. Across Sudbury was etched an imaginary northern geography, le Nouvel-Ontario, a “terre de pierre, de forêts et de froid – land of rock, forest and cold,” remote country in the north where Franco-Ontarian youth were claiming their voice. Free and strong. Column by Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé.
At SENS Café, coffee is elixir. Poetry. Alchemy. It nourishes l’art de flâner, the art of lingering, of taking a moment to live well. Housed in a heritage building on the shores of Lake Ontario, this specialty café welcomes all those who are curious to explore and discover the full richness of coffee’s symphony of flavours.
A critical look at how la Francophonie fared in Canadian news in 2022.
Rolling Stone wants cultural impact — Céline brings it. She is the shining promise that we of l’Amérique française have a voice in the firmament.
Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé