Bridget Tolley facts for kids

Bridget Tolley (born 1960) is an important Algonquin leader and activist from Canada. She works to help Indigenous families whose loved ones are missing or have been murdered. Bridget also started a group called Families of Sisters in Spirit (FSIS) to support these families.

Who is Bridget Tolley?

Bridget Tolley was born in 1960 in Maniwaki, Quebec. Her parents were Gladys and John Tolley. She is an Algonquin grandmother. For many years, Bridget has been a strong voice for her community. She works hard to make things better for Indigenous people in Canada.

Early Life

Bridget Tolley grew up in Maniwaki, Quebec. This is where her journey as an activist began. Her experiences shaped her desire to help others. She became a community worker. She always wanted to support her people.

Standing Up for Others

Bridget Tolley became a well-known activist after a very sad event. In 2001, her mother, Gladys Tolley, passed away in an incident involving a police vehicle near Maniwaki. A year later, Bridget learned that the investigation into her mother's passing had been closed without her family being told.

This made Bridget want to find answers. As she looked into what happened, she realized many Indigenous families faced similar struggles. This experience led her to become a powerful voice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

What is MMIW?

MMIW stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. It refers to the many Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada who have gone missing or been murdered. This issue is a serious problem. It affects Indigenous communities deeply. Bridget Tolley works to bring attention to these cases. She also helps families find justice and healing.

Important Groups She Works With

Bridget Tolley founded Families of Sisters in Spirit (FSIS). This group helps families who have lost loved ones. It offers support and a place for families to share their stories. FSIS also works to raise awareness about the MMIW crisis.

Bridget is also a founding member of Justice for Victims of Police Killings. She is involved with the Native Women's Association of Canada's Sisters in Spirit Vigils. These vigils are events where people gather to remember and honor missing and murdered Indigenous women. Bridget Tolley also works on other important issues. These include child welfare, police actions, Indigenous education, and housing. She is a true leader for change.