Nellie Cournoyea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nellie Cournoyea
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Nellie Cournoyea in Inuvik, 2006
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| 6th Premier of the Northwest Territories | |
| In office November 14, 1991 – November 22, 1995 |
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| Commissioner | Daniel L. Norris Helen Maksagak |
| Preceded by | Dennis Patterson |
| Succeeded by | Don Morin |
| MLA for Western Arctic | |
| In office October 1, 1979 – November 21, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | John Steen |
| Succeeded by | riding dissolved |
| MLA for Nunakput | |
| In office November 21, 1983 – October 16, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | new district |
| Succeeded by | Vince Steen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 4, 1940 Aklavik, Northwest Territories, Canada |
| Political party | non-partisan consensus government |
Nellie Cournoyea OC was born on March 4, 1940, in Aklavik, Northwest Territories. She is a Canadian politician who made history. From 1991 to 1995, she served as the sixth Premier of the Northwest Territories.
Nellie Cournoyea was the first female premier of any Canadian territory. She was also the first Indigenous female premier in Canada. Her heritage is both Norwegian and Iñupiat.
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Early Life and Career
Nellie Cournoyea grew up in the Northwest Territories. As a child, she attended a special school for Indigenous children. She later shared that she once left an Anglican hostel and was helped by Indigenous families along her journey.
Before she became a politician, Nellie worked in media. She was an announcer and station manager for CBC North in Inuvik. This is a radio and television service for Canada's North. She also worked to help Indigenous communities with their land claims. This means helping them get back their traditional lands. She did this for the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. This group is now called Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
Political Journey
Nellie Cournoyea began her political career in 1979. She was elected to the territorial Legislative Assembly. This is like a parliament for the Northwest Territories. She represented the area called Western Arctic.
In 1983, that area changed. She then represented a new area called Nunakput. She continued to serve in the government in many different roles.
Becoming Premier
On November 14, 1991, Nellie Cournoyea was chosen as Premier. In the Northwest Territories, the Premier is chosen by the elected members. This system is called consensus government. It means leaders work together to agree on decisions.
She served as Premier until 1995. After that, she decided not to run for re-election. She wanted to focus on other ways to help her community.
After Being Premier
Today, Nellie Cournoyea is the chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. This organization works to support the Inuvialuit people. They manage land, resources, and programs for their communities.
Awards and Recognition
Nellie Cournoyea has received many important awards. These awards recognize her hard work and leadership.
In 1994, she won a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. This award is now known as the Indspire Awards. It celebrates the achievements of Indigenous people in Canada.
She has also been given special honorary doctorates in law. These come from universities like Lakehead University, Carleton University, and the University of Toronto. An honorary doctorate is a special degree given to someone for their achievements.
In 2008, she became an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian can receive. It recognizes outstanding achievement and service to the country. She was also inducted into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame that year.
In 2016, she received the Order of the Northwest Territories. This award honors people who have made great contributions to the territory.
In 2023, Canada Post announced a special honor for Nellie Cournoyea. She will be featured on new postage stamps. These stamps will celebrate her as an Indigenous pioneer. She will be honored alongside George Manuel and Thelma Chalifoux.
See also
