Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk
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| Born |
Clotilda Adessa Coward
January 11, 1932 Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia, Canada
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| Died | April 15, 2021 (aged 89) Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Education |
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| Occupation | Nurse and activist |
| Years active | 1954–1994 |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | 5 |
| Awards | Order of Canada Order of Nova Scotia |
Clotilda Adessa Douglas-Yakimchuk (born Clotilda Adessa Coward; January 11, 1932 – April 15, 2021) was a very important Canadian nurse. She made history by being the first African-Canadian to graduate from the Nova Scotia Hospital School of Nursing. She was also the first Black president of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Nova Scotia.
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Early Life and Education
Clotilda Adessa Coward was born in Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia. Her parents were Arthur and Lillian Coward. Growing up, her family faced unfair treatment because of racism in Whitney Pier. For example, her father had to leave his job at the steel plant due to discrimination. Her sister also struggled to find work.
In 1954, Clotilda Coward achieved a major milestone. She became the first Black person to graduate from the Nova Scotia Hospital School of Nursing. Later, she continued her studies. She earned a special certificate in psychiatric nursing from the Nova Scotia Hospital. She also received a Diploma in Adult Education from Saint Francis Xavier University.
Her Nursing Career
After finishing her nursing training, Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk started her career. She worked at the Nova Scotia Hospital as the Head Nurse of the Admission/Discharge Unit. Soon after, she moved to Grenada, West Indies, with her first husband, Benson Douglas. There, she became a Director at a mental health hospital. She also earned a diploma in midwifery from Colony Hospital in Grenada.
By 1967, Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk returned to Canada. She took a job as a Staff Nurse at the Sydney City Hospital. A few years later, she made history again. She was the first Black person to be chosen as president of the Registered Nurses Association of Nova Scotia.
During this time, she also started the Black Community Development Organization. She worked hard to convince Cape Breton University to create a nursing degree program. She retired in 1994. Her last job was as the director of education services at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney.
Family Life and Later Years
After graduating from nursing school, Clotilda Coward married Benson T. Douglas in 1955. He was from Grenada. They had five children together: Carl, Valerie, Kendrick, Sharon, and Leslie.
Later, Clotilda and Benson separated. Benson returned to Grenada and became a judge. He passed away in 1975.
In 1984, Clotilda married Dan Yakimchuk. They were married for 27 years until he passed away in 2011.
After retiring from her nursing career, Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia. She wanted to be closer to her family. She passed away in Halifax on April 15, 2021, at the age of 89. She died during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nova Scotia.
Awards and Special Honours
Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk received many awards for her important work.
- In 1991, she won the Harry Jerome Award for her cultural and community achievements.
- In 2003, she was given a special honour. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest awards.
- In 2010, Cape Breton University gave her an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
- In 2018, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Nova Scotia. This is a high honour from her home province.
