Janice Acoose facts for kids

Janice Acoose (1954–2020) was an important Canadian writer, newspaper columnist, and filmmaker. She was also a strong supporter of Indigenous languages. Janice Acoose taught Indigenous and English literature at the First Nations University of Canada in Saskatchewan.

Discovering Janice Acoose's Early Life

Janice Acoose was born in Broadview, Saskatchewan. In the 1960s, she attended the Cowessess Indian Residential School. Her family roots were from the Zagime Anishinabek (Saulteaux) First Nation and the Ninankawe Marival Metis community.

Her grandmother, Madelaine O'Soup, was adopted by Chief O'Soup of the Anishnabe people. Her grandfather, Paul Acoose, came from the nearby Sakimay Reserve. Paul's father, Samuel Acoose, was a respected Buffalo Runner. Samuel's family came from Quewich, who traveled with Waywayseecapo.

Janice Acoose's Contributions as a Writer

Janice Acoose was the first Indigenous Affairs columnist for the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix newspaper in Saskatchewan. A columnist writes regular articles, sharing their opinions or information on specific topics. She also wrote often for other newspapers like the Regina Leader-Post and the Prince Albert Herald. Her articles also appeared in magazines such as Aboriginal Voices, New Breed, and Windspeaker.

In 1995, a publishing company in Toronto called Women's Press published her book. The book was titled Iskwewak Kah Yaw Ni Wahkomakanak. You can also find a copy of her Master's Thesis online. The thesis was called Iskwewak--Kah' Ki Yaw Ni Wahkomakanak: Neither Indian princesses nor squaw drudges.

Acoose was also featured in a 2006 documentary film. The film was called Finding Dawn and was made by the National Film Board of Canada. This documentary focused on the issue of murdered and missing Indigenous women in Canada.