Michèle Audette facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michèle Audette
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Audette in 2021
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| Canadian Senator from De Salaberry |
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| Assumed office July 29, 2021 |
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| Nominated by | Justin Trudeau |
| Appointed by | Mary Simon |
| Government Liaison in the Senate | |
| Assumed office August 9, 2023 |
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| Leader | Marc Gold |
| Preceded by | Patti LaBoucane-Benson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michèle Taïna Audette
July 20, 1971 Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
| Political party | Non-affiliated (2021; since 2023) |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent Senators Group (2021-2022) Progressive Senate Group (2022-2023) |
| Occupation |
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| Known for | President of the Native Women's Association of Canada |
Michèle Taïna Audette (born July 20, 1971) is a Canadian leader and activist. She has worked hard to support Indigenous women and girls in Canada. She was the president of important groups like Femmes autochtones du Québec (Quebec Native Women) and the Native Women's Association of Canada. In 2021, she became a Canadian Senator for Quebec.
Early Life and Family
Michèle Audette was born in Wabush, Labrador, in 1971. Her mother was traveling by train when she went into labour. A helicopter took her mother to the nearest hospital, where Michèle was born. She grew up in different places in Quebec, including Schefferville and Montreal.
Michèle is from the Innu community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam in Quebec. Her mother, Evelyne St-Onge, is Innu. Her father, Gilles Audette, is French-Canadian.
Fighting for Rights
Michèle's family faced challenges because of old laws. Her mother was not allowed to live on her reserve because she married a non-Native man. This rule did not apply to Native men who married non-Native women.
To fight this unfair law, Michèle's mother helped start the Quebec Native Women Association in 1974. This group worked to change the Indian Act, which was the federal law causing these problems.
A Voice for Indigenous Women
As Michèle grew up, she followed in her mother's footsteps. She became a strong voice for Indigenous rights. She focused especially on issues affecting Indigenous women.
Leading Important Groups
Michèle served as president of Femmes autochtones du Québec (FAQ) twice. First, from 1998 to 2004, and again from 2010 to 2012. She then led the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) from 2012 to 2014. She was the youngest woman ever elected to lead NWAC.
She also worked for the Quebec government. From 2004 to 2008, she was an Associate Deputy Minister. She was in charge of the Secretariat for Women.
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
In 2017, Michèle Audette was chosen for a very important role. She became one of five commissioners for a national inquiry. This inquiry looked into the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.
The inquiry's goal was to understand why so many Indigenous women and girls were going missing or being murdered. It also aimed to find ways to make things safer for them. The team delivered their final report in 2019. It included 231 "calls for justice" to help improve the situation.
Becoming a Senator
After her work with the inquiry, Michèle Audette entered politics. In July 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nominated her to the Senate of Canada. She became a Senator for Quebec.
The Senate is part of Canada's Parliament. Senators review and vote on laws. Michèle works to make sure Indigenous voices are heard in the Senate.
In August 2023, she took on another role. She became the Government Liaison in the Senate. This means she helps the government's plans move forward in the Senate.
Personal Life
Michèle Audette is a mother of five children. She lives in both Wendake, Quebec, and the Innu reserve of Maliotenam. She continues to work as a consultant for the Indigenous rights group Nation Innue.
Awards and Recognition
Michèle Audette has received several awards for her dedication:
- Woman of Distinction Award (Inspiration category) from the Women’s Y Foundation of Montréal (2018)
- Woman of the Year by the Montreal Council of Women (2014)
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
See also
- Missing and murdered Indigenous women
