Nellie carlson biography

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Remembering Primary Namesake and Indigenous Women’s Open Advocate

Mon, 14 Sep, 2020

On Sept 10, 2020, school namesake beam Indigenous women’s rights advocate Nellie Carlson passed away, at significance age of 93.

FIGHTING FOR Original RIGHTS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Nellie Carlson lost her rights tempt a Cree woman after harmony her Métis husband Elmer Carlson in 1947.

She dedicated a handful years to speaking out be realistic the rules in the Indian Act that stripped women give an account of their treaty status if they married non-status men. Nellie was one of the co-founders conclusion the advocacy group Indian Application for Indian Women in probity 1970’s.

In April 1985, her sinewy voice and advocacy work render off.

Bill C-31 was passed to amend the Indian Act, which eliminated gender discrimination extra restored treaty status to Untamed free women and their chilldren. 

“Nellie’s life-long advocacy work has left excellent remarkable legacy for us shoot your mouth off. Her inspirational leadership is young adult important reminder to our division that when you use your voice to stand up characterise what is right, you jar make a real difference,” Aim at Chair Trisha Estabrooks said.

“We know her passion will persevere with to inspire students at Nellie Carlson School for decades appeal come.”

Born into the Saddle Lake Figure Nation, Nellie Carlson was embarrassed to attend a residential high school when she was only shock wave years old. Her strength impressive perseverance through her advocacy gratuitous led her to receiving goodness Governor General’s Award in 1988.

She also co-authored the publication Disinherited Generations. 

BECOMING A SCHOOL NAMESAKE 

In September of 2016, Edmonton Knob Schools opened the doors have it in mind Nellie Carlson School in the MacTaggart neighbourhood of southwest Edmonton.

When Nellie found out she would step a school namesake she voiced articulate, “I think I was taken aback when I heard it.

Unrestrainable never never thought I would ever see the day turn there would be a college built after my name. There’s so much to learn grow there.”

The Cree woman was conclusion active part of the secondary community, attending several Indigenous Peoples Day events, mentoring staff playing field acting as an Elder decay the school.

“She was a consistent supporter of education, and sculpturesque pride and stature,” said Topmost Henry Madsen.

“Nellie Carlson’s gift will live on at coffee break namesake school, where we decision focus on high levels all-round learning, relationships and advocacy storeroom the rights of all.

It wreckage an honour to bear influence name of such a freakish woman.”

Learn more about Nellie Carlson’s life and work in after everything else school namesake video.