Mary John Sr. facts for kids
Mary John Sr. (born June 15, 1913 – died September 30, 2004) was an important leader of the Carrier people. The Carrier are an Indigenous group from central British Columbia, Canada. She was known as "Mary John Sr." to tell her apart from her daughter-in-law, who had the same name. Mary John Sr. was famous for her work in politics and for helping her community. She was a great example of strength, honesty, and kindness. She was also a member of the Order of Canada.
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Mary John's Early Life
Mary John was born in 1913 at Lheidli, which is near Prince George, British Columbia. Her mother was Anzel Quaw. Mary grew up in Saik'uz (Stoney Creek) village. Her mother and stepfather, Johnny Paul, raised her. She belonged to the Tachek clan. Their special symbols were the cariboo and the ruffed grouse.
Surviving Hard Times
When Mary was only five years old, she lived through the terrible flu epidemic of 1918. During this time, she had to care for her sick mother. This showed her strength from a very young age.
School Days
At age eight, Mary was sent to a residential school in Fort St. James. There, she learned to speak English. The next year, she moved to the new Lejac Residential School. She stayed there until she was fourteen. At sixteen, she married Lazare John. Together, they had twelve children.
Helping Her Community
Mary John Sr. worked hard to help her community throughout her life. She started many important groups and projects.
The Homemakers' Association
In 1942, Mary helped start a local group called the British Columbia Homemakers' Association. She was its first President. This group was meant to teach homemaking skills. However, Mary and other women used it to work for political change. They wanted to make life better for Indigenous people.
Supporting Families
In the 1950s, Mary John and her friend Bridget Moran created the Welfare Committee. This group helped place Indigenous children. They made sure children could stay in Indigenous foster homes. This kept them close to their own communities.
The Elders' Society
In 1980, Mary, her daughter Helen, and elders Celina John and Veronica George started the Stoney Creek Elders' Society. This society built the Potlatch House and a campground. These projects helped the community's economy. More importantly, the Elders' Society encouraged social and political action.
Working with Police
In the 1980s, Mary John began working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). She invited police staff to her fishing camp each summer. She later joined the Aboriginal Advisory Committee. This committee advised the head of the RCMP in British Columbia. Mary was a founding member of this important group.
Preserving Culture and Language
Mary John cared deeply about keeping her culture and language alive. She spoke her language, Carrier language, very well.
Teaching the Carrier Language
In the 1970s, Mary taught the Carrier language and culture. She taught at St. Joseph's School in Vanderhoof, British Columbia. She also taught language classes for adults. She was one of the people who started the Yinka Dene Language Institute. She became its special honorary leader.
Creating Language Resources
Mary helped create the Saik'uz Children's Dictionary. This book and other materials helped teach the language. From 1992 until she passed away, she worked with linguist Bill Poser. They worked to record and save her language.
Honors and Recognition
Mary John Sr. received many awards and honors later in her life. People recognized her hard work and dedication.
Citizen of the Year
In 1978, she was named Vanderhoof Citizen of the Year. This was the first time an Indigenous person received this award.
University Degree
In 1995, she received an honorary degree from the University of Northern British Columbia. This was a special recognition of her achievements.
Order of Canada
In 1997, Mary John was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. The award recognized her for dedicating her life to helping others. She was a strong leader behind many good projects. She helped start the Friendship House, a community center for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. She overcame many challenges to become a respected elder, counselor, and teacher. She also helped bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together. Even in her eighties, she continued to promote the Carrier culture to young people.
Queen's Jubilee Medal
In 2002, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. This medal honored her contributions to Canada.
Mary John Collection
In January 2008, the Vanderhoof Public Library opened the Mary John Collection. This is a collection of 800 books about First Nations topics. It was created in her honor.
See also
