A Manitoulin Island woman has been named to the Order of Canada
Canada’s Governor General, Julie Payette, announced 125 new appointments to the Order of Canada. Jeanette Corbiere Lavell, 75, was born in Wikwemikoong and is the daughter of Adam and Rita Corbiere.
She married David Lavell in 1970, a non-Indigenous man, and subsequently was no longer deemed an Indian according to the Indian Act, but challenged the Act in 1971.
Though her challenge failed, she inspired a later challenge, the success of which “permitted reinstatement of the First Nations women and children who had lost their status”.
She later served as president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, founded the Ontario Native Women’s Association of Canada and went on to a successful career in education and as an author.
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
Corbiere Lavell will be presented with her Member of the Order of Canada later this Spring.