Sheila North facts for kids

North in 2022

Sheila North is a strong leader and journalist from the Cree Nation. She used to be the Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. This means she was a very important leader for many First Nations communities in Northern Manitoba.

Sheila North's Early Life and Career

Sheila North grew up in the Bunibonibee Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba. When she was a teenager, she moved to Winnipeg. There, she went to Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute. Later, in 2006, she finished her studies at Red River College. She earned a degree in communications.

Working as a Journalist

After college, Sheila North worked as a journalist. She reported the news for CBC News and CTV News. In 2010, she was even nominated for a Gemini Award. This award celebrates great work in Canadian television.

Helping Indigenous Women

In 2012, Sheila North helped create the important hashtag #MMIW. This stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She worked for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs at the time. This hashtag helped bring attention to a very serious issue. She also helped translate English into Cree for a 2012 movie called We Were Children.

Sheila North's Leadership Roles

In 2015, Sheila North made history. She became the Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. She was the first woman ever to hold this important position. That same year, Chatelaine magazine named her one of their top 30 women.

Helping Communities in Need

In November 2016, a fire destroyed the only grocery store in Shamattawa First Nation. Sheila North asked the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, to visit the community. She wanted him to see how much help they needed.

In 2017, she spoke to Canada's Parliament. She talked about how First Nations communities had not been paid fairly. This was for land used for hydropower projects. These payments were agreed upon in the Northern Flood Agreement.

Running for Higher Leadership

After her term as Grand Chief ended, Sheila North ran for another big leadership role. She ran in the 2018 Assembly of First Nations leadership election. She finished as the runner-up. This means she came in second place.

In 2021, Sheila North announced she would run again. She aimed to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. If she had won, she would have been the first woman to become the AMC Grand Chief.