Margaret Commodore facts for kids

Margaret Muriel Commodore (also known as Margaret Joe) was born in 1932. She is a Canadian politician who made history in the Yukon territory. She served in the Yukon Legislative Assembly, which is like the government's parliament for the Yukon. Margaret Commodore was a member of the Yukon New Democratic Party, a political group in Canada.

A Trailblazer in Yukon Politics

Serving the People

Margaret Commodore represented two different areas in the Yukon. From 1982 to 1992, she was the representative for Whitehorse North Centre. Later, from 1992 to 1996, she represented Whitehorse Centre. These areas are called electoral districts, which are like neighborhoods or regions that elect someone to speak for them in the government.

Making History in Government

Margaret Commodore achieved many important "firsts" in Canadian politics. When Tony Penikett was the leader of the Yukon government, she held important roles. From 1986 to 1989, she was the Minister of Health and Human Resources. This meant she was in charge of things like healthcare and social services for people in the Yukon.

From 1989 to 1992, she became the first Aboriginal Minister of Justice in all of Canada. This was a huge step forward for Indigenous representation in government. Even earlier, in 1985, she was the first-ever First Nations woman to be named to a cabinet in Canada. A cabinet is a group of top advisors to the government leader.

Her Indigenous Roots

Margaret Commodore is a proud member of the Sto:lo Nation. The Sto:lo Nation is an Indigenous group whose traditional territory is in what is now British Columbia. Her background as a First Nations woman made her achievements even more significant.

Sharing Her Story

In 2013, Margaret Commodore bravely shared her experiences at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This commission was set up to learn about the history and lasting effects of the Canadian Indian residential school system. These schools were places where Indigenous children were sent, often far from their families and cultures. Margaret testified about the difficult experiences she faced while attending these schools. Her testimony helped others understand the challenges many Indigenous people went through.

External Links

• Margaret Commodore, a profile from Joyce Hayden's book Yukon's Women of Power (archived copy)
• Recording of Commodore from The Legislature Speaks