Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture facts for kids

Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture (1890–1996), often called Edith Monture, was an amazing Mohawk woman. She was a true pioneer! She became the first Indigenous-Canadian woman to be a registered nurse. She also made history by being the first Indigenous woman in Canada to gain the right to vote in a Canadian federal election. On top of that, she was the first Indigenous woman from Canada to serve in the United States military.

Who Was Edith Monture?

Edith Monture was born in 1890. She was a member of the Mohawk Nation. Her life showed great strength and determination. She broke many barriers for Indigenous women in Canada.

Early Life and Becoming a Nurse

Edith faced challenges from a young age. She wanted to become a nurse, which was a respected profession. However, Canadian nursing schools would not accept her. This was because of her Indigenous background.

But Edith did not give up. She traveled to the United States to get her training. She studied hard and became a registered nurse. This was a huge achievement for her and for Indigenous women everywhere.

After her training, Edith worked as a nurse. She cared for children in elementary schools. She helped keep young students healthy.

Serving in World War I

In 1917, a major event changed the world: World War I. Edith felt a strong call to help. She decided to join the United States Army Nurse Corps. This was a brave decision.

She served overseas in France. She worked in a military hospital. There, she cared for injured soldiers. Her work was vital and difficult. She helped many people during a very tough time.

Edith Monture was one of only fourteen Native-Canadian women who served as nurses in the U.S. Army during World War I. She was also one of only two who served overseas. The other was Cora E. Sinnard, an Oneida woman who also served in France.

What Was the Army Nurse Corps?

The Army Nurse Corps was a group of nurses. They worked with the military. Their job was to care for soldiers who were sick or hurt. These nurses played a very important role in wartime. They saved many lives and comforted countless soldiers.

A Fight for the Right to Vote

After the war, Edith Monture returned home. She continued to be a leader. She became known for another important achievement. She was the first Indigenous woman in Canada to gain the right to vote in a federal election.

What is the Right to Vote?

The right to vote means being able to choose your leaders. It means having a say in how your country is run. For a long time, many groups of people could not vote. This included most women and Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Edith Monture's ability to vote was a big step forward. It showed that Indigenous women deserved to have their voices heard. Her actions helped pave the way for others. It took many more years for all Indigenous people in Canada to get the right to vote. But Edith was one of the first to break through.

A Lasting Legacy

Edith Monture lived a long life, passing away in 1996 at the age of 106. She left behind an incredible legacy. She showed that with courage and determination, you can overcome big challenges. She was a nurse, a veteran, and a champion for rights. Her story inspires us all to work for a fairer world.