“We were the Métis, and we worked hard. And I was raised to be strong and independent”

By: Fernanda Bertrand

As a young woman with a passion to study Law, I look up to activists who focus on protecting human rights. Therefore, I decided to focus on Thelma Chalifoux. Chalifoux was the first Métis woman chosen for the Senate Of Canada. She was born on February 8, 1929 in Calgary. Her ancestry is rooted from the Métis indigenous communities of St. Albert and Lac Ste, Anne. Her father was a Métis residential survivor, due to what her father endured, she was taught from a young age to honor being indigenous. Chalifoux was born during the Great Depression which made her understand real world-issues. Because she grew up during such hard times she had to work harder than others. Chalifoux devoted herself from a young age to helping others such as volunteering in soup kitchens, joining indigenous military reserves, and working in the Salvation Army canteen. 

As Chalifoux grew older she continued to face hardships. She left her abusive husband and became a single mother of four.  According to “Globe and Mail”, she went to social services requesting for help, but instead of helping her they took her children away. Once her custody was taken away, Chalifoux was determined to get her children back. She had to juggle two jobs while also finishing her education. By 1965, she regained custody of her children again. It shows her strong devotion to protecting those she cares about, specifically fighting back towards the Sixties Scoop policy that focused on removing indigenous children. The basis incorporating her background is to recognize her character and principles. Due to her past, it shapes her activist work with indigenous communities.

During her early days of activist work she focused on advocating for increased affordable shelter, food, and higher funds for Métis families. She worked hard on rural and indigenous housing. She incorporated the importance of feeling proud within your culture. Chalifoux states in an interview “ We were always involved in politics because it was for the benefit of our people.” During the 1980s, Chalifoux attended the Métis delegation in Ottawa to advocate that the government needs to acknowledge indigenous groups as nations. By 1997, she was appointed to the Canadian Senate. During the time she served in the Senate she actively campaigned for indigenous housing, women’s rights, environmental activism, food quality, and pharmaceutical activity. Chalifoux had proven she was hungry for change and justice for her people. She understood firsthand what it meant to be an Indigenous in a society that constantly tried to assimilate them. 

Thelma Chalifoux worked hard to preserve the lands of the indigenous. She constantly advocated for protecting their sacred lands. During her career she was eager to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and the social health impacts of natural resources development on Métis communities. One of her biggest legacy, was to fund the Mischif Cultural Connections, a museum dedicated to preserve and honor Métis culture.

Connecting back into my first statement. I dream of studying law, to advocate for minorities and the vulnerable. I believe protecting the rights of these communities is extremely fundamental to create a well functioning society. Chalifoux represents what having values and passion can create. Her legacy continues to shine through on today’s indigenous communities. She inspires leadership roles in women and minorities. She was the first minority woman to receive the Aboriginal Achievement Award, first to appear on a radio show, and she made history by becoming an important figure to the Canadian senate. She gives me reassurance to stand with my firm beliefs and advocate for those who aren’t fortunate enough to use their voice. Nonetheless, Chalifoux inspires me to embrace my culture and to continue to educate myself on world issues that continue to impact our society.