Elsie Knott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elsie Knott
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Elsie Knott
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| Born |
Elsie Marie Taylor
September 20, 1922 |
| Died | December 3, 1995 (aged 73) |
| Known for | First female Chief |
| Spouse(s) | Cecil Knott |
| Children | 3 |
Elsie Marie Knott (born Taylor; September 20, 1922 – December 3, 1995) was a very important leader in Canada. She made history by becoming the first woman ever elected as a Chief of a First Nation community. This happened in 1954 at the Curve Lake First Nation. Her election came just three years after the Indian Act was changed to allow First Nations women to vote and hold leadership roles in their communities.
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Elsie Knott's Leadership Journey
Elsie Knott was 33 years old when she became Chief of the Curve Lake First Nation. At that time, this community was known as the Mississaugas of Mud Lake. It is a Mississauga Ojibway First Nation located near Peterborough, Ontario. Elsie Knott's election opened the door for other women. After her, more First Nation women were elected as chiefs and councilors across Canada. By 1960, 21 women held elected positions in band councils. However, it took until the late 1990s and early 2000s for female First Nation leadership to become widely accepted. Elsie Knott herself was re-elected eight times in a row. She served as Chief for a total of sixteen years.
Protecting Culture and Language
Elsie Knott was well-known for her efforts to protect and keep the Ojibwe language alive. She started a special language program at the Curve Lake First Nation School. This program helped teach the Ojibwe language to younger generations. As an elder, which is a respected older person in the community, Elsie Knott also helped bring back the community's powwow celebrations. Powwows are important gatherings for Indigenous people to celebrate their culture through dancing, singing, and socializing.
Improving Education for Kids
One of Elsie Knott's great achievements was developing the reserve's school bus service. This showed her strong leadership and dedication to her community. When she first started, she used her own car to drive a few students to school in Lakefield. As more and more children wanted to go to high school, she bought a hearse and changed it into a school bus! Later, she worked with the Indian Affairs Department to buy two regular school buses. She drove these buses herself for 25 years, making sure children could get to school.
Awards and Recognition
Elsie Knott received several awards for her important work and leadership:
- She received the Outstanding Women Award in 1992.
- Her memory was honored in 1998 at the Anishinabek Nation's Celebration of Women Conference.
- In 1999, she was given a Life Achievement award by the Union of Ontario Indians.
