Nan McKay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nan McKay
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| Born | October 10, 1892  Fort de la Corne |
| Died | July 27, 1986 (aged 93) |
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| Occupation | Librarian |
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Annie Maude "Nan" McKay (born October 10, 1892, died July 27, 1986) was a Métis librarian. She made history in 1915 as the first Indigenous woman to graduate from the University of Saskatchewan. Nan McKay worked at the university library for 44 years, helping many students and faculty.
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Early Life and Education
Annie Maude McKay was born on October 10, 1892. Her family was a well-known English Métis family. She was born at Fort à la Corne. Her father, Angus McKay, worked for the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC). The HBC had a trading post at Fort à la Corne. Nan's mother, Annie Maud Mary Fortescue McKay, also had a father who worked for the HBC.
Nan's family moved often within Saskatchewan. This was because of her father's job transfers. They lived in places like Green Lake and Île-à-la-Crosse. Her mother passed away in 1907.
School Days and University Life
Nan and her siblings were taught at home when they were young. After her mother's death, her uncle, James McKay, helped her. He was a judge and a member of the Canadian Parliament. He enrolled Nan and her sister in St. Alban's Ladies College. This was a respected private school in Prince Albert.
Nan earned a $200 scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan. She used money inherited from her mother to pay for her university studies. She was very active in school activities. She was on the student council. She also helped with Penta Kai Deka, a group for female students. Nan was the artist for The Sheaf, the university's student newspaper.
She was also a talented athlete. Nan was a figure skater. She played for the university's varsity ice hockey team. She continued to play on the university teams even after she graduated. In 1915, Nan McKay graduated with Honours in English and French. She was the first Indigenous woman to graduate from the University of Saskatchewan.
Career at the University of Saskatchewan
Soon after graduating in 1915, Nan McKay got a job. She was hired as an assistant librarian at the University of Saskatchewan Library. She worked there for a long time, until she retired in 1959. Nan did not have much formal training in being a librarian. She learned most of her skills while working on the job. She was a very important helper for the head librarians during her career.
Helping During World War I
During World War I, many students went to serve overseas. Nan McKay and another recent graduate became editors of The Sheaf newspaper. As editors, they wanted to create an alumni association. This would be a group for former students. In 1917, they founded the University of Saskatchewan Graduate Students' Association. Nan McKay was chosen as the secretary-treasurer for this new group.
Nan also volunteered as a nurse at the university. This was during the 1918 influenza pandemic. She helped care for people who were sick.
Later Life and Legacy
After she retired in 1959, Nan McKay enjoyed gardening and reading. She passed away on July 27, 1986, at 93 years old.
In 2007, the University of Saskatchewan honored her. She was named one of the "100 Alumni of Influence." This recognized her important contributions and impact.
