Delia Opekokew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Delia Opekokew
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Delia Opekokew - Law Society of Ontario
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Canoe Lake Reserve, Saskatchewan
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| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Known for | Indigenous Activism, Law |
Delia Opekokew is a remarkable Cree lawyer and writer from the Canoe Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. She made history as the first First Nations woman lawyer. She was admitted to the bar association in both Ontario and Saskatchewan. Delia was also the first woman to run for the leader of the Assembly of First Nations. She attended Beauval Indian Residential School and Lebret Indian Residential School. Delia Opekokew has received many awards for her important work. These include the Aboriginal Achievement Award and the Law Society of Ontario Medal.
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Delia Opekokew's Early Life and Education
Delia Opekokew is a member of the Cree First Nation. She was born on the Canoe Lake Reserve in Northern Saskatchewan. Delia is the third of eight children. Her parents were Marguerite and Jules Opekokew. She lived on the Canoe Lake Reserve until she was eight years old.
Learning at Residential Schools
At age eight, Delia started attending the Beauval Indian Residential School. This school was located on what is now the English River Dene Nation. It was at this school that Delia learned to speak English. However, she also worked hard to keep her knowledge of the Cree language. After elementary school, Delia moved to the Lebret Indian Residential School. There, she finished her high school education. She attended these schools for ten months each year. She only returned home during the holidays. As the oldest daughter, Delia helped her mother care for their large family.
University Studies and Law School
After high school, Delia Opekokew went to the University of Winnipeg. She received a special scholarship for new students who did very well. In 1977, she graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. She earned a Bachelor of Laws degree.
Delia Opekokew's Career Journey
Delia Opekokew has had a long and important career. She started with early jobs before becoming a lawyer.
Starting Her Career Path
Her very first job was as a clerk typist. She worked for the province of Saskatchewan in the Agriculture Department. In 1967, Delia Opekokew made history again. She became the first woman to be on the executive team of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. She served as their secretary. Later, she worked as an assistant for the famous musician Buffy Sainte-Marie in New York. After this, Delia decided to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Becoming a Trailblazing Lawyer
After finishing law school, Delia Opekokew achieved another "first." In 1979, she was the first Indigenous woman admitted to the Bar of Ontario. Then, in 1983, she was admitted to the Bar of Saskatchewan. While in law school, she worked for groups like the National Indian Brotherhood. From 1979 to 1980, she practiced civil and family law. She was a partner at a law firm called Zlotkin & Opekokew.
Later, she worked as a lawyer for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. This was from 1980 to 1985. She then joined a larger law firm, Blaney, McMurty, and Stapells, from 1985 to 1990. After that, she started her own law practice. She focused on Indigenous treaty rights and Aboriginal Law. In 1992, Ms. Opekokew was one of three leaders on a special commission. They investigated the death of Leo Lachance. Delia Opekokew also successfully represented the Canoe Lake Cree Peoples in their land claim. She also represented Anthony O’Brien “Dudley” George. He was killed during the Ipperwash Crisis.
Working for Indigenous Rights and Community
In 1994, Delia Opekokew became the first woman to run for Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. This was at their 1994 leadership convention. She did not win, but her run was a big step for women in leadership. In 1998, she returned to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians as a general council member.
From 2004 to 2009, she worked as an adjudicator. This was for the Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Process (IRSAP). This process was part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. In 2009, Delia Opekokew was promoted to Deputy Chief Adjudicator for IRSAP. She stayed in this important role until 2017. Even while doing this, she continued her private law practice in Saskatchewan. She also served as a vice-president for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
Awards and Recognition
Delia Opekokew has received many awards for her important work and achievements:
- 2009 - Aboriginal Achievement Award: This award celebrates individuals who make amazing contributions to Indigenous communities. Delia said her upbringing inspired her work as an Indigenous lawyer. The award recognized her "commitment to the elimination of hate and racism in Canadian society."
- 2012 - Women's Law Association of Ontario President's Award: This award honors women who have made big impacts in the law community. It also supports other women in the legal field. Delia won for her work and support for Indigenous women in law.
- 2013 - Law Society of Ontario Medal: This medal is given to people who show excellent work and dedication in the legal community. Recipients represent the "highest ideals of the legal profession."
- 2016 - Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Lifetime Achievement Award: This award celebrates individuals who have shown excellence throughout their lives. This includes their careers and their efforts to help others.
- 2019 - Law Society of Ontario, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD): This is an honorary law degree. It recognizes her outstanding contributions, even though she did not study for this specific degree.
