Edith Monture facts for kids

Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture (born April 10, 1890 – died April 3, 1996) was a remarkable Mohawk woman. She is often known simply as Edith Monture. She was a World War I veteran and a true pioneer.

Edith Monture was the first Indigenous-Canadian woman to become a registered nurse. She also became the first Indigenous woman from Canada to serve in the United States military. Her efforts helped many people. She also gained the right to vote in a Canadian federal election.

Meet Edith Monture: A Trailblazing Nurse and Veteran

Her Early Life and Education

Charlotte Edith Anderson was born on April 10, 1890. Her birthplace was the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ohsweken, near Brantford, Ontario, Canada. She was the youngest of eight children in her family.

Edith was of Mohawk descent. She attended day school on the reserve. Later, she earned her high school diploma from Brantford Collegiate Institute. This early education set her on a path to help others.

Becoming a Nurse and Serving in World War I

Facing Challenges to Study Nursing

Edith faced challenges when she wanted to become a nurse. Canadian nursing schools at the time did not accept Indigenous students. This was due to laws like the Indian Act, which made it difficult for Indigenous people to get higher education.

Because of these barriers, Edith had to travel to the United States. She trained at the New Rochelle Nursing School in New Rochelle, New York. She was an excellent student and graduated at the top of her class in 1914. This made her the first Indigenous registered nurse in Canada.

A Nurse on the Front Lines

After becoming a nurse, Edith first worked in an elementary school. However, in 1917, she decided to join the Army Nurse Corps. This meant she would serve during World War I.

Before she left for overseas service, Edith received special ceremonial Mohawk clothing. This was a traditional custom. It was given to those going into dangerous situations, like war. She served bravely in France at a military hospital.

Edith Monture was one of fourteen Indigenous women from Canada who served as nurses in the U.S. Army during World War I. She was also one of only two who served overseas in France. The other was Cora E. Sinnard (née Elm), from the Oneida tribe.

Edith worked very close to the front lines of the war. She was stationed at Base Hospital 23 in Vittel, France, for a year. She worked long 14-hour days. She even walked across battlegrounds to find and treat wounded soldiers. She cared for those injured in trench warfare and from gas attacks.

Life After the War and Voting Rights

Gaining the Right to Vote

After World War I ended, Edith Anderson returned to the Six Nations reserve. A Canadian law, the Military Service Act of 1917, gave wartime nurses the right to vote. Because of this, Edith became the first Indigenous-Canadian woman to vote in a Canadian federal election.

It took many more years for all Indigenous women in Canada to gain the federal vote. This happened in 1960. By then, they could vote without having to give up their official recognition as Indigenous people.

Helping Her Community

Edith continued her important work in healthcare. She worked as a nurse and a midwife at a hospital on the reserve. She dedicated herself to her community until she retired in 1955 at the age of 65.

As Edith Monture, she worked hard to improve healthcare for Indigenous people. In 1939, she was chosen as the honorary president of the Ohsweken Red Cross. Her dedication helped many families.

Her Family and Legacy

A Long and Full Life

Soon after returning from the war, Edith Anderson married Claybran Monture. They had five children: Bud, Helen, Ron, Don, and Gilbert. Sadly, Gilbert passed away as an infant in 1929. Edith was also a grandmother to 14 grandchildren.

Edith Monture lived a very long and full life. She passed away on April 3, 1996, in Ohsweken, Ontario. She was just one week shy of her 106th birthday. She was buried in St. John's Anglican Cemetery on the reserve.

Remembering Edith Monture

Edith Monture's incredible contributions are remembered today. An avenue, a park, and an elementary school in Brantford, Ontario, are all named in her honor. These places help keep her inspiring story alive for future generations.