Shirley Fletcher Horn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shirley Fletcher Horn
Shirley Fletcher Horn, Shingwauk Gathering at Algoma University in 2015
Born	Shirley Fletcher 1940 (age 84–85) Chapleau, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Cree, Canadian
Alma mater	Algoma University College
Occupation	Chancellor, Algoma University. Artists
Organization	Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association
Known for	Residential School advocacy work, artist works.
Parent(s)	Gilbert Fletcher, Dinah Sheshequin

Shirley Fletcher Horn is a respected leader, artist, and advocate. She is known for her important work helping people who attended residential schools in Canada. She was the very first Chancellor of Algoma University. Shirley is a member of the Missanabie Cree First Nation. She also served as the Chief of her First Nation for six years.

Early Life and Learning

Shirley Fletcher Horn was born in Chapleau, Ontario. She is one of ten children. When she was five years old, she went to the St. John's Indian Residential School. Later, she moved to the Shingwauk Indian Residential School. She attended these schools for a total of eight years.

Shirley has shared her experiences from residential school. Her story helps others understand this part of Canadian history. Her reflections have appeared in newspapers and magazines. Her experiences are also part of a book called Residential Schools With The Words and Images of Survivors by Larry Loyie.

Continuing Education

In 1993, Shirley moved to Burnaby, British Columbia. She attended the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. Later, in 2009, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She studied at Algoma University, which is now located where the old Shingwauk School once stood. In 2015, Algoma University gave her an award for her achievements.

Shirley has three children: Jutta, Bonnie, and Dieter. Her daughters, Jutta and Bonnie, also attended Algoma University.

Leadership and Art

Shirley Horn has been very active in her community. She helped lead the Missanabie Cree First Nation. She was the Chief from 1995 to 2001. She also served on the community's Elders Council.

Shirley was a founding member of two important groups. These are the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and the Shingwauk Education Trust. She has held many roles in the Alumni Association. These include president, vice-president, and executive board member.

Artistic Contributions

Shirley is also a talented Cree artist. Her artwork has been shown in many places. In 2009, Shirley and her sister Jackie Fletcher started a festival. It was called the Echoes of the World Drum Festival in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

Shirley was chosen for a special project called Project of Heart. This project helps remember those affected by residential schools. Her sculpture for this project is at Algoma University.

Since 2015, Shirley has worked with the Soulpepper theatre company. They have an initiative called imagiNation. A playwright named Falen Johnson is writing a play about Shirley's life. It tells her story within the history of residential schools.

University Chancellor

On June 13, 2015, Shirley Horn made history. She became the first-ever Chancellor of Algoma University. This is a very important leadership role at the university.

In 2016, Shirley helped create a special dance art piece. It was called "Bears Stars and Trees." This piece reflected on the Seven Grandfather Teachings. These are important lessons in Indigenous cultures.

In 2022, Shirley received the Thomas Symons Award. This award recognized her commitment to conservation. It was presented by the Ontario Heritage Trust.