Jeannette Corbiere Lavell facts for kids

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell (born June 21, 1942) is a Canadian and Anishinaabe community leader. She has worked hard to protect the rights of women and children. In 2018, she received a special honour as a member of the Order of Canada. This award recognizes people who have made a big difference in Canada.

About Jeannette Corbiere Lavell

Jeannette Vivian Corbiere was born in Wikwemikong, Ontario. Her parents were Adam and Rita Corbiere. Her mother was a teacher and helped start the Wikwemikong "Wiky" Powwow. Jeannette learned English from her mother and the Ojibwe language from her father.

She later went to business college in North Bay.

Early Work and Activism

After finishing college, Jeannette Corbiere Lavell worked as an executive secretary for the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. She also worked with the Company of Young Canadians. This gave her the chance to travel across Canada. In 1965, she was named "Indian Princess of Canada."

She helped start many important groups. In 1971, she was a founding member of the Ontario Native Women's Association. In 1973, she helped create Anduhyaun Inc., a group that helps Indigenous women in Toronto who are facing violence. She also helped start the Toronto Native Times newspaper in 1978. She was also the president of the Nishnawbe Institute in Toronto.

Challenging the Indian Act

In 1970, Jeannette Corbiere married David Lavell, who was not Indigenous. Because of this marriage, the Indian Act said she was no longer considered an "Indian." This meant she lost her legal status as a First Nations person.

In 1971, she decided to challenge this law with her lawyer, Clayton Ruby. She first lost her case at a local court. But in 1973, she won at the Ontario Court of Appeals. The Canadian government then took the case to the Supreme Court. Sadly, the Supreme Court ruled against her in a close 5-4 decision. Another woman, Yvonne Bedard, had a similar case that was also decided at the same time.

Even though Jeannette's challenge did not win in court, it was very important. Her fight inspired later challenges to the Indian Act. These later efforts were successful. They helped First Nations women and children who had lost their status get it back.

Later Contributions

In 2008, the Anishinabek Nation chose her to be their first Commissioner on Citizenship. This was a big honour.

From 2009 to 2012, she served as the president of the Native Women's Association of Canada. She also worked as a cabinet appointee for the Commission on the Native Justice System.

In 2006, she helped edit a book called "Until Our Hearts Are On the Ground: Aboriginal Mothering, Oppression, Resistance and Rebirth."

Personal Life and Family

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell earned a teaching degree from the University of Western Ontario. She then worked as a teacher and a school principal.

Her daughter, Dawn Harvard, also became a leader. She was the youngest president ever of the Ontario Native Women's Association.

Awards and Recognition

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell has received many awards for her important work.

• In 1987, the Ontario Native Women's Association created an award in her honour.
• In 1995, she received the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
• In 2009, she was given the Governor General's Award in honour of the Persons Case. This award recognized her outstanding work for women's equality.
• In 2016, York University gave her an honorary doctorate of laws. This was for her work as an activist and educator for Native women's rights.
• In April 2018, the Feminist Alliance for International Action recognized Jeannette as a member of the Indigenous Famous Six. This group includes other important women like Yvonne Bedard, Senator Sandra Lovelace Nicholas, Sharon McIvor, Lynn Gehl, and Senator Lillian Dyck.

Awards List

• Persons Award (2009)
• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
• Member of the Order of Canada (2017)
• Indspire Award, Lifetime Achievement (2020)

See also

• Canada (AG) v Lavell