Emma LaRocque facts for kids

Emma LaRocque was born in 1949. She is a Canadian professor. She is from the Cree and Métis peoples. Currently, she teaches Native Studies at the University of Manitoba.

She is also a published poet. Her poems are short and vivid. They often describe her ancestral land and culture. LaRocque's work looks closely at many topics. These include what it means to be Indigenous. She also studies modern Indigenous literature. She examines how Indigenous people are shown in Canadian history and popular culture.

LaRocque has written about many different subjects. This makes her work important to many scholars. Her writings show how Indigenous stories can be a way of resistance. She also highlights wrong ideas about Indigenous peoples in Canada. Her ideas have made a big impact. They have influenced Native Studies, education, and poetry. LaRocque is also known for challenging old, unfair stereotypes.

Early Life

Emma LaRocque was born in 1949. Her home was Big Bay, Alberta. This was a remote community near Lac La Biche. Her family were fur trappers. She was one of the first in her family to go to school.

Her parents were a bit worried about her love for learning. But Emma "howled [her] way into school." English was not her first language. Still, she did very well in her early education. After high school, LaRocque worked as a counselor. She helped young people who had committed crimes. She also taught at the Janvier 194 reserve. This was until 1971. Then, she moved to the United States. She went to Goshen College in Indiana.

Education

In 1973, LaRocque earned her first degree. It was a Bachelor of Arts. She studied Communications and English. She got this degree from Goshen College. Later, she went to the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She earned a Master of Arts degree there in 1976. This degree was in peace studies.

Before becoming a professor, she worked briefly. She was a reporter and editor. She worked for Native People. This was a newspaper in Alberta. LaRocque joined the University of Manitoba in 1976. She received a second Master of Arts degree in 1980. This one was in Canadian history. She completed her doctorate in 1999. Her research was on "Aboriginal resistance literature."