Wilma Pelly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilma Pelly
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| Born |
Wilma Episkenew
March 5, 1937 Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, Canada
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| Died | December 28, 2020 (aged 83) |
| Occupation | actress |
| Known for | North of 60 |
Wilma Pelly (born March 5, 1937 – died December 28, 2020) was an Indigenous Canadian actress. She was famous for playing Elsie Tsa'Che in the TV show North of 60. She also played Kookum in Mixed Blessings.
Contents
About Wilma Pelly's Life
Early Years and Family
Wilma Pelly was born Wilma Episkenew. She belonged to the Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation. In the 1950s, she met James Edward Pelly. She later moved with him to Calgary, Alberta.
Starting Her Acting Career
Before acting, Wilma Pelly worked in factories. In the late 1980s, she saw an advertisement for film extras. This was her chance to start acting.
Her biggest role was in the TV show North of 60. This show started in 1992. Wilma Pelly played Elsie Tsa'Che. Elsie was a wise, respected, and funny character. Wilma Pelly became well-known in Indigenous communities in Canada. She was even named Best Actress at the Rosie Awards in 1998.
After North of 60 ended, Wilma Pelly acted in other projects. She was in the film Gunslinger's Revenge. This was her first time traveling outside North America. She often played a grandmother or elder in her roles. She also acted on stage. One notable play was Uncle Vanya in 2005.
Wilma Pelly's Final Years
Wilma Pelly passed away on December 28, 2020, in Calgary. Her last film was Don't Say Its Name. It was released after she passed away.
Wilma Pelly's Acting Roles
Television Shows
- North of 60 (1992-1997) - Elsie Tsa Che
- Children of the Dust (1995) - Nita
- In the Blue Ground (1999) - Elsie Tsa Che
- Dream Storm (2001) - Elsie Tsa Che
- Another Country (2003) - Elsie Tsa Che
- Dreamkeeper (2003) - Old Woman
- Into the West (2005) - Burnt by the Sun
- Distant Drumming (2005) - Elsie Tsa Che
- Elijah (2007) - Old Woman
- Mixed Blessings (2007-08) - Kookum
- Arctic Air (2014) - Auntie Belle
- Documentary Now! (2015) - Aglatki Qamaniq
- Fargo (2015) - Native American housekeeper
Movies
- Gunslinger's Revenge (1998) - Native Grandmother
- The Last Rites of Ransom Pride (2010) - Old Woman
- Land (2018) - Mary Yellow Eagle
- Parallel Minds (2020) - Kookum
- Don't Say Its Name (2021) - Aggie
