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 very important leader and artist. She was the first ever Chancellor of Algoma University. Shirley was born in Chapleau, Ontario. When she was a child, she attended two residential schools: the St. John's Indian Residential School and the Shingwauk Indian Residential School.

Shirley Horn is famous for her work helping people understand the history of residential schools in Canada. She is a member of the Missanabie Cree First Nation. She also served as the Chief of her First Nation for six years.

Shirley's Early Life and Learning Journey

Shirley Horn is one of ten children. Her parents were Dinah Sheshequin and Gilbert Fletcher. When she was five years old, Shirley was sent away from her family. She went to the St. John's Indian Residential School in Chapleau, Ontario.

She stayed there until she was seven. Then, she moved to the Shingwauk Indian Residential School. Shirley attended residential schools for a total of eight years. She has shared her experiences from these schools in many places. Her story is also in a book called Residential Schools With The Words and Images of Survivors. This book was written by Larry Loyie in 2014.

In 1993, Shirley moved to Burnaby, British Columbia. She went to the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. Later, in 2009, she earned a degree in Fine Arts from Algoma University. This university is now located on the same land where the Shingwauk School used to be. In 2015, Shirley received an award from Algoma University for her achievements.

Shirley Horn has three children: Jutta, Bonnie, and Dieter. Both Jutta and Bonnie also went to Algoma University, just like their mother.

Shirley's Work and Leadership

Shirley Horn has been very active in leading the Missanabie Cree First Nation. She was the Chief of her First Nation from 1995 to 2001. She has also been a part of the community's Elders Council.

Shirley helped start two important groups: the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and the Shingwauk Education Trust. She worked in many roles for the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association. These roles included president, vice-president, and a member of the executive board.

Shirley is also a well-known Cree artist. Her artwork has been shown in many places. In 2009, Shirley and her sister Jackie Fletcher started the Echoes of the World Drum Festival. This festival takes place in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Shirley was chosen to be one of the artists for the Project of Heart. This project helps remember the children who went to residential schools. Her sculpture for this project is at Algoma University.

Since 2015, Shirley has been working with the Soulpepper theatre company. They have a project called imagiNation. A writer named Falen Johnson is creating a play about Shirley Horn's life. The play will also tell the story of residential schools in Canada.

On June 13, 2015, Shirley Horn became the first Chancellor of Algoma University. This was a very special moment.

In 2016, Shirley worked with Donna Hilsinger and Malgorzata Nowacka-May. They created a dance art piece called "Bears Stars and Trees." This dance shares ideas from the Seven Grandfather Teachings.