Jeannette Corbiere Lavell facts for kids

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, born on June 21, 1942, is an important Anishinaabe leader. She is known for her work helping women and children in Canada. In 2018, she received a special honour. She was made a member of the Order of Canada for her amazing efforts.

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell's Early Life

Jeannette Vivian Corbiere was born in Wikwemikong, Ontario. Her parents were Adam and Rita Corbiere. Her mother was a school teacher. She also helped start the Wikwemikong "Wiky" Powwow.

Jeannette learned English from her mother. She learned the Ojibwe language from her father. After high school, she went to business college in North Bay.

Starting Her Career and Travel

After college, Jeannette worked as an executive secretary. This was at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. She also worked with the Company of Young Canadians. This job let her travel all over Canada. In 1965, she was even named "Indian Princess of Canada."

Fighting for Indigenous Women's Rights

In 1970, Jeannette Corbiere married David Lavell. He was not an Indigenous person. Because of an old law called the Indian Act, she lost her "Indian status." This meant she was no longer seen as an "Indian" by the government.

Challenging the Indian Act

Jeannette thought this law was unfair. In 1971, she bravely challenged it in court. Even though her challenge did not win at that time, it was very important. Her fight inspired other women to keep trying. Later, another challenge succeeded. This allowed many First Nations women and their children to get their status back.

Leading Indigenous Women's Groups

Jeannette became a strong leader for Indigenous women. She served as president of the Native Women's Association of Canada. She also started the Ontario Native Women's Association of Canada.

She worked on many important groups. She was part of the Commission on the Native Justice System. She was also president of the Nishnawbe Institute. And she led Anduhyaun Inc., a group that helps Indigenous women.

Education and Teaching Career

Jeannette Corbiere Lavell also earned a teaching degree. She studied at the University of Western Ontario. After that, she worked as a teacher. She even became a school principal. She also helped write a book called "Until Our Hearts Are On the Ground." This book is about Indigenous mothers.

Family Legacy in Activism

Jeannette's daughter, Dawn Harvard, followed in her footsteps. Dawn became the youngest president ever of the Ontario Native Women's Association. In 1987, this organization created an award in Jeannette's honour.

In September 2009, Jeannette became the president of the NWAC again. She held this role for three years.

Recognitions and Awards

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

• In 2009, she won the Persons Award.
• In 2012, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
• In 2016, York University gave her an honorary doctorate degree. This was to celebrate her work as an activist and educator.
• In 2017, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada.
• In April 2018, she was recognized as one of the "Indigenous Famous Six." These are six important women who fought for Indigenous rights.
• In 2020, she received the Indspire Award for Lifetime Achievement.

See also

• Canada (AG) v Lavell