Nellie Cournoyea fought for Aboriginal self-determination while leading numerous organizations, including the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Committee for the Rights of Original Peoples.

This press release is also available at inuinnaqtun and in sallirmiutun.

ULUKHAKTOK, NWT, June 11, 2023 /CNW/ – Canada Post today unveiled a stamp honoring the life and work of Nellie Cournoyea at a community event in Ulukhaktok.

Nellie Cournoyea, an advocate for her people, the Inuvialuit of Canada’s Western Arctic, is known for her unwavering vision, work ethic and passion that guide her fight for Indigenous self-determination and empowerment. of the Inuit. As Premier of the Northwest Territories (1991-1995), she became the first Aboriginal person and the second woman to lead a provincial or territorial government in Canada.

This stamp is one of three stamps dedicated to Indigenous leaders that will be issued on June 21. This is the second installment in Canada Post’s multi-year Aboriginal leadership series.

The Life and Legacy of Nellie Cournoyea

Nellie Cournoyea was born in Aklavik, in the Northwest Territories. Her father is a trapper from Norway and her mother is an Inuvialuit (or Inupiaq) from Herschel Island. yukon.

Nellie Cournoyea grew up in the traditional way of life of her people and did most of her schooling by correspondence from the family camp before embarking on a career in radio and later as a land claims field envoy.

Co-founder of the Aboriginal Rights Study Committee, she participated in the negotiations of the unprecedented Inuvialuit Final Agreement, which includes a land settlement of more than 90,000 square kilometres.

Nellie Cournoyea was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1979 and held several cabinet posts before being appointed Prime Minister. He plays a key role in the discussions leading to the creation of Nunavuthe went on to chair the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation for 20 years after retiring from politics.

officer of the order CanadaNellie Cournoyea, now 83, is chair of the Northern Canadian Nutrition Advisory Council and vice-president of the Community Society of tuktoyaktuk.

on the seal

canceled in Aklavik, in the Northwest Territories, birthplace of Nellie Cournoyea, the stamp features a photo of her taken in 2022 by Peggy Jay. The official day one cover and inside of the notebook show a photo of her taken in 1993 by Tessa Macintosh. The snapshot is superimposed on a photo taken by Robert Postma at Trout Lake, Northwest Territories.

The postmark, illustrated by Tania Willard, is a mountain fox, one of the symbols of the coat of arms of the Northwest Territories.

About the Indigenous Leaders Stamp Series

The Indigenous Leaders multi-year stamp series was issued in 2022 and celebrates the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders today. These eminent personalities have dedicated their lives to preserving their cultures and improving the quality of life of Aboriginal people in Canada.

This year, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canada Post will issue stamps honoring Nellie Cournoyea, George Manuel and Thelma Chalifoux.

Two other stamp presentations will take place this week:

• June 12 stamp honoring Jorge Manuel will be published in North VancouverBritish Columbia.
• On June 13, the stamp was dedicated to Thelma Chalifoux will be published in saint albertIn alberta.

Stamps and collectibles will be on sale at canadapost.ca and on mail order nationwide starting June 21.

To access images of stamps and other products, our magazine In detail as well as other resources:

Canada Post

For more information: Media Relations: 613 734-8888, [email protected]