Elsie Charles Basque facts for kids

Elsie Charles Basque (1916-2016) was an important Mi'kmaq woman from Nova Scotia, Canada. She made history as the first Mi'kmaq person to become a certified teacher. Elsie was a dedicated educator and a strong voice for Indigenous rights and seniors. Her amazing work was recognized when she received the Order of Canada in 2009, which is one of Canada's highest honors.

Elsie's Early Life and Education

Elsie Charles Basque was born on May 12, 1916. Her parents were Joe Charles and Margaret Labrador. She was born in Hectanooga, a place in Digby County, Nova Scotia. When Elsie was three years old, her mother left the family. Her father then became very sick with tuberculosis. After he got better, her father worked as a tour guide. He taught Elsie how to fish and hunt.

When Elsie was 13, her father sent her to a residential school. She attended the Shubenacadie Residential School from 1930 to 1932. Elsie later said these years felt "wasted." She started in grade 8 but was still in the same grade two years later when she left. She finished high school in 1936 at Meteghan's Sacred Heart Academy.

Becoming a Teacher

In 1937, Elsie earned her teacher's certificate. She got it from the Provincial Normal College. This made her the first Mi'kmaq person to become a certified teacher. After getting her license, she tried to get a teaching job. She applied in Inverness County. However, the county school inspector told her to go home. He said the community would not want a Mi'kmaq person teaching their children.

By 1939, Elsie found a job. She began working at the Indian Day School. This was a new school for Mi'kmaq children in Indian Brook.

Life and Work in Indian Brook

At Indian Brook, Elsie met Isaac, who was a farmer. They got married and had four children together. Elsie taught at the school for Mi'kmaq children.

Teaching Beyond Her Community

Later, Elsie transferred to a school in Cape Breton Island. This was a big step. She became the first Aboriginal person to teach in a school that was not specifically for Indigenous students.

In 1951, Elsie and her family moved to Boston, Massachusetts. They lived there for almost 30 years. Her husband worked at Algonquin Gas Transmission Company. Elsie did public relations work. When her children grew older, Elsie returned to teaching. She worked for the Boston Indian Council.

Elsie gave many talks and lectures. She spoke about topics like elderly Indigenous people. She also shared information about Mi'kmaq culture. Elsie talked about the lives of American Indian people. She worked hard to promote and protect Indigenous rights. She even wrote a paper about the problems faced by elderly Native Americans. This paper was sent to the U.S. Senate. It was used to help make decisions.

Awards and Recognition

Elsie Charles Basque received many honors for her work. On November 4, 2009, she was chosen as a member of the Order of Canada. This award recognized her important work as a pioneering educator. It also honored her advocacy for seniors and Indigenous people.

In 2005, she received an honorary doctorate. This special degree was given to her by the Universite Sainte-Anne.

Later Life

Elsie Charles Basque passed away on April 11, 2016. She was at her home in Hectanooga, Nova Scotia.

The Shubenacadie Residential School, where Elsie studied from 1930 to 1932.