Pamela Palmater facts for kids

Pamela Palmater (born in 1970) is a Mi'kmaq social justice activist, lawyer, and professor from New Brunswick, Canada. She is known for speaking up for the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Pamela was a key voice in the 2013 Idle No More movement, which brought attention to Indigenous issues. Her work was also important in the final report about National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This report looked into the serious issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

Today, Palmater is a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. She often shares her thoughts on politics and law on TV networks like APTN, CTV, and CBC.

Early Life and Family

Pamela Palmater's family comes from Eel River, New Brunswick. She is a member of the Eel River Bar First Nation.

When Pamela was young, her parents moved the family to the Fredericton area. They hoped this move would give their children a better life. After her parents separated, Pamela lived with her mother and two sisters in Fredericton.

Education Journey

Pamela Palmater has studied a lot to become a lawyer and professor.

• In 1994, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Thomas University. She studied Native Studies and History.
• She then went to the University of New Brunswick and got her Bachelor of Laws degree in 1997.
• In 1999, she completed a Master's degree in Aboriginal Law at Dalhousie University.
• Later, in 2009, she earned her Doctorate in Aboriginal Law from Dalhousie University Law School. Her important research was titled "Beyond Blood: Rethinking Aboriginal Identity and Belonging".

Career and Advocacy

Pamela Palmater is very active in working for Indigenous rights. She is involved with the Assembly of First Nations, which represents many First Nations communities in Canada.

She also leads the Centre for Indigenous Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University. There, she teaches as a professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration. Before this, she worked for the Canadian government for over ten years. She helped manage important areas like First Nations treaties, land claims, and self-government. This means she worked on agreements and rights for Indigenous communities.

In 2012, Palmater ran for the position of national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. She came in second place. Throughout her career, her strong voice for Indigenous issues and her work on missing and murdered Indigenous women have earned her many awards.

Since 2021, Palmater has also written for the online news website The Breach.

Important Statements

Pamela Palmater often speaks out about fairness and justice for Indigenous peoples. She believes that governments must respect the laws and agreements made with Indigenous communities.

She was a very important spokesperson for the 2013 Idle No More movement. This movement brought attention to many issues affecting Indigenous peoples. Palmater's ideas were also a big part of the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This report discussed how past and present actions have harmed Indigenous peoples.

Palmater has also talked about how some news reports can be unfair when covering certain events. She believes it's important for everyone to be treated equally in the media.

Awards and Recognition

Pamela Palmater has received many awards for her dedication to social justice and human rights.

• 2012: YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award in Social Justice
• 2012: Women's Courage Award in Social Justice
• 2012: Bertha Wilson Honour Society (First Inductee)
• 2013: Top 25 Most Influential Lawyer: Top 5 in Human Rights
• 2014: Canada's Top Visionary Women Leaders: Top 23
• 2014: Building a Better World Designation: Nation-Builder
• 2015: UNB Alumni Award of Distinction
• 2016: Ryerson's Aboriginal Role Model
• 2016: 21 Inspirational First Nation, Métis, Inuit Women Leaders
• 2016: J.S. Woodsworth Woman of Excellence Award in Human Rights and Equality
• 2016: Margaret Mead Award in Social Justice
• 2017: Doctor of Laws honoris causa (an honorary law degree)
• 2017: Award for Excellence in Human Rights