Delia Opekokew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Delia Opekokew
|
|
|---|---|
Delia Opekokew - Law Society of Ontario
|
|
| Born |
Canoe Lake Reserve, Saskatchewan
|
| Education |
|
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Known for | Indigenous Activism, Law |
Delia Opekokew is a Cree lawyer and writer. She comes 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 has received many important awards for her work. These include the Aboriginal Achievement Award and the Law Society of Ontario Medal.
Contents
Early Life and School Days
Delia Opekokew was born on the Canoe Lake Reserve. This is in Northern Saskatchewan. She is a member of the Cree First Nation. Delia was 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. Then, she went to the Beauval Indian Residential School. This school was located on what is now the English River Dene Nation. Delia learned English there. But she also kept her knowledge of the Cree language.
After elementary school, Delia moved to the Lebret Indian Residential School. She finished her high school education there. Delia attended these schools for ten months each year. She only went home during holidays. As the oldest daughter, she helped her mother care for their large family.
After high school, Delia went to the University of Winnipeg. She received a special scholarship for new students. In 1977, she graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. She earned a Bachelor of Laws degree.
Delia's Career Journey
Starting Her Career Path
Delia Opekokew's first job was as a clerk typist. She worked for the Agriculture Department in Saskatchewan. In 1967, she became the first woman to join the executive team. This was for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. She served as their secretary.
Later, she worked as an administrative assistant. This was for the famous singer Buffy Sainte-Marie in New York. After this, Delia decided to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Her Legal Work
After finishing law school, Delia made history. She was the first Indigenous woman admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 1979. She was also admitted to the Bar of Saskatchewan in 1983. While in law school, she worked for groups like the National Indian Brotherhood. She also worked for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians.
From 1979 to 1980, she practiced civil and family law. She was a partner at a firm called Zlotkin & Opekokew. Then, from 1980 to 1985, she was a legal advisor. She worked for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Later, she joined another law firm, Blaney, McMurty, and Stapells. She worked there from 1985 to 1990.
After that, Delia started her own law practice. She focused on Indigenous treaty rights and Aboriginal Law. In 1992, she was one of three leaders. They led an inquiry into a specific case. Delia also represented the Canoe Lake Cree Peoples. She helped them with their successful land claim. She also represented Anthony O’Brien “Dudley” George. Delia also provided a letter in 1980. This letter supported Buffy Sainte-Marie getting Canadian citizenship.
Helping Indigenous Communities
In 1994, Delia Opekokew made history again. She was the first woman to run for Grand Chief. This was for the Assembly of First Nations. She ran in their 1994 leadership convention. She did not win, but her participation was very important.
In July 1998, she returned to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. She became their general council. From 2004 to 2009, she worked as an adjudicator. This was for the Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Process. This process helped people resolve issues related to residential schools. Delia was promoted to Deputy Chief Adjudicator in 2009. She stayed in this role until December 2017. While doing this, she also kept 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 important awards for her work and dedication:
- 2009 - Aboriginal Achievement Award: This award honors people who make amazing achievements. It recognizes those who help themselves and Indigenous communities. Delia said her upbringing led her to her work. The award recognized her "commitment to the elimination of hate and racism." It also honored her work in promoting "equality and respect for diversity and human rights."
- 2012 - Women's Law Association of Ontario President's Award: This award is given to women who have made big contributions to the law community. It celebrates women who help other women in the legal field. Delia was nominated for her work. She won for her contributions, especially for Indigenous women in law.
- 2013 - Law Society of Ontario Medal: This medal is given to people who show excellent work. It recognizes those who display the "highest ideals of the legal profession."
- 2016 - Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Lifetime Achievement Award: This award celebrates individuals. It recognizes their 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 significant contributions.
