Alberta-born first Indigenous woman senator commemorated by new stamp

Posted June 13, 2023 5:49 pm.
She was the first Indigenous woman named to Canada’s senate in 1997 and lifelong advocate for Indigenous and women’s rights across the country.
Now Thelma Chalifoux’s image will be seen across the country as Canada Post releases this stamp.
“It was never about her work. The recognition? She didn’t do recognition. She just wanted to solve issues and meet challenges and help people and advocate for the people,” said Robert Coulter, Thelma’s son.
Chalifoux’s children, her friends, and the people she mentored throughout her career were on-hand to unveil the new stamp from Canada Post, which is available to buy now.
Canada Post issuing a new stamp honouring former Alberta senator Thelma Chalifoux, who became the first Indigenous woman to be appointed to the upper chamber in Ottawa. #yeg #yyc pic.twitter.com/eCEQyYsNgr
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) June 13, 2023
A daughter to a residential school survivor, Chalifoux spent her life advocating to the government on behalf of Indigenous and Métis Albertans. As well as helping women fleeing domestic abuse.
In 1997, Chalifoux was named to the Canadian senate by then Prime Minister Jean Chretien, until she retired at age 75. Chalifoux passed away in 2017.
Her son Robert hopes those who see the stamp across Canada will remember his mother as a loving woman, and a fierce advocate.
“She loved her family number one, her community and was proud of it and showed it in every worked and deed, and she was a warrior spirit,’ said Coulter.
The stamp is one of three being released this month to honour Indigenous leaders. Other stamps include B.C. Indigenous rights advocate George Manuel and former Northwest Territories Premier Nellie Cournoyea, Canada’s first Indigenous Premier.