Canada Post is honouring the first Indigenous woman to lead a provincial or territorial government in Canada with a new stamp.
On Sunday, Canada Post unveiled its stamp of Nellie Cournoyea at a community event in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories.
Cournoyea became the first Indigenous woman, and second woman, to head a provincial or territorial government in Canada, as premier of the Northwest Territories from 1991 to 1995, according to a release Sunday.
The stamp pays tribute to her life and legacy as a champion of her people, the Inuvialuit of Canada’s western Arctic.
Canada Post says Cournoyea is known for her unwavering vision, work ethic and heart that have guided her fight for Indigenous self-determination and Inuit empowerment. She has also led numerous organizations, including the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Committee for Original Peoples’ Entitlement.
Currently, Cournoyea serves as an Officer of the Order of Canada. She is in her 80s and remains active as chair of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board and vice-chair of the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation.
This stamp is only one of three Indigenous leaders stamps that will be released on June 21. The set is the second in Canada Post’s multi-year Indigenous Leaders series.
On June 12, a stamp for Aboriginal political leader George Manuel will be revealed in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Then, on June 13, a stamp for former Métis senator Thelma Chalifoux will be presented in St. Albert, Alberta.
The multi-year Indigenous Leaders stamp series launched in 2022 and continues to highlight the contributions of modern-day First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, who have dedicated their lives to preserving their cultures and improving the quality of life of the Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
The new stamps and collectibles will be available on the Canada Post website and postal outlets across Canada beginning June 21 on National Indigenous Peoples Day.
