Gwendolyn Lucy O'Soup Crane facts for kids
Gwendolyn Lucy O'Soup Crane (born in 1930, died in 2005) was a very important leader for Indigenous people in Canada. She made history by becoming the first ever female First Nations Chief who was elected by her community.
She was born on August 12, 1930, in The Key First Nation in Saskatchewan. She passed away on August 10, 2005, in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Early Life and Family
Gwendolyn Lucy O'Soup was born in 1930. She had several brothers and sisters, including Raymond Brass, Frances Crowfoot, and Geraldine Wardman.
She married Clifford Crane from the Key First Nation after he served in World War II. Together, they raised nine children: Terry, Dennis, Garda, Gilda, Trent, Brenda, Joy, Karen, and Cliff. Sadly, their son Norman passed away in 1956 when he was very young.
Gwen lived in Moose Jaw from 1961 to 1967 and in Edmonton from 1967 to 1984 with most of her children. Later, she returned to her home reserve to retire.
Gwen Crane was a dedicated member of the Anglican Church of Canada. She was part of the national Anglican Council for Indigenous People (ACIP). She spent her last few years trying to get the government to recognize the old St. Andrew's Anglican Church as a historical building. This church was built by community members on the reserve in 1885.
She was also the "Kookum" (which means "grandmother" in some Indigenous languages) to Corey O'Soup. Corey became the first Advocate for Children and Youth in Saskatchewan with Indigenous heritage.
Breaking Barriers: First Female Chief
At just 24 years old, Gwendolyn was nominated to be the Chief of her First Nation. In December 1954, she won the election by only three votes! This made her Canada's first female First Nations Chief, and the first to be elected under the modern system.
Before her time, there were stories of other female Chiefs. However, the colonial culture often refused to work with women leaders. Gwen's win helped bring back more balanced leadership.
At that time, a Chief's term was two years, and she served her full term from 1954 to 1956. Her main goals were to improve Indigenous education and to help a health care center (Union Hospital) in Norquay. She also wanted to help "our main thrust is to get the Indians working together in harmony."
Other Work
Besides being a Chief, Gwen Crane had other jobs. She worked as a seamstress in a clothing factory in Moose Jaw. She was also the first woman porter at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. People also remember her cleaning buses and doing housecleaning while she lived in Edmonton.
Recognitions
Gwendolyn Lucy O'Soup Crane was honored by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Chiefs Assembly for all her amazing achievements throughout her life.
