Bridget Tolley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bridget Tolley
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1960 (age 64–65) |
| Known for | Elder activist for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women |
| Parent(s) | Gladys and John Tolley |
Bridget Tolley, born in 1960, is an important Indigenous activist from Canada. She is an Algonquin grandmother and a community worker. She is well-known for her work helping families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Bridget also founded a special group called Families of Sisters in Spirit (FSIS).
Contents
Who is Bridget Tolley?
Her Early Life
Bridget Tolley was born in 1960 in Maniwaki, Quebec, Canada. Her parents were Gladys and John Tolley. She grew up to become a dedicated activist and a respected elder in her community.
Becoming a Voice for Change
Bridget Tolley's journey as an activist began after a personal tragedy. In 2001, her mother, Gladys Tolley, was hit by a police car near Maniwaki. A year later, Bridget found out that the police had stopped their investigation into her mother's death without telling her family.
This discovery led Bridget to start her own investigation. As she looked into what happened, she learned more about other Indigenous women who were missing or had been murdered. This experience inspired her to become a strong voice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
What is Families of Sisters in Spirit (FSIS)?
Bridget Tolley is the founder of Families of Sisters in Spirit (FSIS). This organization is run by and for families who have lost Indigenous women and girls. It also gets help from many friends and supporters.
FSIS does not receive money from the government or other big organizations. It relies completely on support from the community. This includes volunteers, donations, and other kinds of help. The group works to support families and bring attention to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Other Important Work
Bridget Tolley is also a founding member of Justice for Victims of Police Actions. She is involved with the Native Women's Association of Canada and their Sisters in Spirit Vigils. These vigils are events held to remember and honor missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Beyond these efforts, Bridget is active in many other important social issues. She works on topics like child welfare, police actions, Indigenous education, and housing. Her dedication helps to make a difference in the lives of many people.
