Gertrude Guerin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gertrude Guerin
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Guerin in 1961
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| Born | March 26, 1917 North of the Fraser River
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| Died | January 25, 1998 (aged 80) |
| Occupation | Chief of the Musqueam Indian Band |
Gertrude Ettershank Guerin (1917-1998) was an important leader. She was chief of the Musqueam Indian Band in British Columbia, Canada. Her traditional name was Klaw-law-we-leth. She made history as the first woman in Canada to be elected as a chief. Gertrude Guerin worked hard to improve life for Indigenous people.
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About Gertrude Guerin
Gertrude Ettershank was born on March 26, 1917. Her birthplace was near the Fraser River, in what is now North Vancouver. Her mother was from the Squamish people. Her father was of English background.
When Gertrude was 12, her mother passed away. She then helped care for her younger sister, Vivian. Gertrude worked in a cannery. There, she met Victor Guerin, who was from the Musqueam First Nation. They married in 1936 and had five children. Gertrude Guerin passed away on January 25, 1998. She is buried on the Musqueam reserve.
A Leader for Her Community
In 1953, Gertrude and Victor Guerin moved to the Musqueam lands. Victor worked as a fisherman. Gertrude sent her children to the local public school. She believed they would get a better education there. She joined the PTA and became its President.
In 1959, Gertrude Guerin was elected chief of the Musqueam. She served for two years. This was a very important moment. She was the first woman in Canada to be an elected chief.
Helping Indigenous Education
In 1967, Gertrude Guerin helped create the Native Education Centre. This centre is now called the Native Education College. It was started to support Indigenous people living in Vancouver. The college helps them get a good education.
Supporting Her People
Gertrude Guerin also helped start the Vancouver Police and Native Liaison Society. This group helps police and Indigenous people work together. In 1963, she founded the Vancouver Friendship Centre. It is now known as the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society. This centre helps Indigenous people connect and find support.
Fighting for Rights
Gertrude Guerin was part of a group of Musqueam people. Her son, Delbert, was the chief at the time. They challenged the government in a court case called R v Guerin (1984). As a result, the Musqueam people were awarded $10 million. This case was a landmark decision for Indigenous rights in Canada. Delbert Guerin said his mother was the reason for the case. He said he listened to her complaints, and that inspired him.
Recognition and Awards
The Native Education College gives a "Visionary Award" in Gertrude Guerin's name. This award honors former board members. It recognizes those who work to empower Indigenous people.
In 2006, Gertrude Guerin received a special award. It was the Women's History Month Award. She got it for her work on indigenous rights. She was also recognized for her contributions to her community.
In 2018, a plaza in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver was named in her honor. It is called Gertrude Guerin Plaza. It is located where Main Street and Kingsway meet.
