Mary Richard facts for kids

Mary Richard was an important Indigenous leader and politician from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She was born on June 7, 1940, and passed away on September 9, 2010. Mary worked hard to help Indigenous communities and make their voices heard. She received special honors for her work, like the Order of Manitoba and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Mary Richard's Life and Work

Mary Richard was born into a Métis family in Camperville, Manitoba. The Métis are a special Indigenous group in Canada with a unique culture. From a young age, Mary was dedicated to helping Indigenous people in Manitoba.

She worked to keep Indigenous languages alive and strong. She also helped with important things like finding good homes, offering job training, and sharing Indigenous culture. Mary also supported Indigenous businesses.

Leading Important Groups

In the 1980s, Mary became the director of the Manitoba Association of Native Languages. She held this important job for almost ten years. This group worked to protect and promote Indigenous languages.

In 1997, the mayor of Winnipeg, Susan Thompson, asked Mary to help lead a special group. This group looked at social challenges in the Indigenous community in north Winnipeg.

Mary was also the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Thunderbird House. This center opened in north Winnipeg in 2000. It was first planned as a place for tourists to learn about Indigenous culture. But it quickly became a helpful place for people in the area who needed support.

She also served as the president of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. And she was a leader at the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg. Mary even owned her own business, the Teepee Restaurant in Winnipeg.

Political Involvement

Mary Richard also got involved in politics to help her community. In 1999, she ran for a seat in the Manitoba government. She was a candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba in the area of Point Douglas. Even though she didn't win, she gained a lot of support.

The next year, in 2000, Mary ran for a seat in the Canadian federal government. This time, she was a candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada in Winnipeg North Centre. She explained that she supported different parties at the provincial and federal levels. She finished second in that election.

Mary Richard passed away on September 9, 2010. She was undergoing treatment after a kidney transplant. Her life showed her strong dedication to helping Indigenous people and making a difference in her community.