Mildred Milliea facts for kids

Mildred Milliea (1930-2019) was an important Canadian teacher and language expert. She was a member of the Elsipogtog First Nation community. She worked hard to keep the Mi'kmaq language alive.

Mildred Milliea: A Champion of Language

Early Life and Education

Mildred Milliea was born in a place called Big Cove, New Brunswick. This area is part of the Elsipogtog First Nation territory. In 1946, she achieved something special. She was one of the first students from her community to finish formal school. This was a big deal because it was hard to get an education back then.

Mildred continued her learning as an adult. She took three courses at the New Brunswick Community College. After that, she became a teacher herself. She started teaching the Mi'kmaq language at Big Cove Elementary School.

Teaching the Mi'kmaq Language

Mildred Milliea didn't just teach in her own community. She also shared her knowledge of the Mi'kmaq language with other groups. Her efforts were recognized in 1975 when she was named 'Native Woman of the Year' in Canada.

She created one of the first teaching plans for the Mi'kmaq language. This plan was used in the Maritimes region of Canada. Mildred also wrote several books about Mi'kmaq grammar. These books helped people understand how the language works. She even put together a collection of Mi'kmaq songs, rhymes, and hymns.

Mildred also helped design the way Mi'kmaq is written down. This writing system is called an orthography. It is used in New Brunswick. She also created a special version of an older writing style called the Pacifique script. She continued to study language teaching at Lakehead University. Later, she received an honorary doctorate from St. Thomas University. This is a special award given to people for their great achievements.

Mildred Milliea also helped with a film called A Village Through Time. This movie tells the story of the Mi'kmaq people. She worked as a Mi'kmaq translator for the film's script.

Awards and Recognition

In 1996, Mildred Milliea received a very high honor. She was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This award is given to people who have made a big difference in Canada. She was praised for her work in language and education. People said she was a "role model for her people." They also called her an active community worker.

Mildred received two more special medals. In 2002, she was given the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2012, she received Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal. These medals celebrated her contributions to Canada. Mildred Milliea passed away in 2019.