First Indigenous woman to lead a Canadian government honoured with stamp: Canada Post

By Staff The Canadian Press

Posted June 12, 2023 8:49 am

Updated June 12, 2023 8:57 pm

1 min read

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Former Premier of the Northwest Territories Nellie Cournoyea, of Inuvik, is presented with the rank of Officer of the Order of Canada by Governor General Michaelle Jean during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday June 18, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The first Indigenous woman to lead a provincial or territorial government in Canada is being honoured with a new stamp.

Canada Post says it has unveiled a stamp in honour of Nellie Cournoyea, known as a champion of her people in Canada’s western Arctic.

A stamp bearing the portrait of Nellie Cournoyea is seen in an undated handout photo. The first Indigenous woman to lead a provincial or territorial government in Canada is being honoured with a new stamp. Canada Post says it has unveiled a stamp in honour of Cournoyea, known as a champion of her people in Canada's western Arctic. — A stamp bearing the portrait of Nellie Cournoyea is seen in an undated handout photo. The first Indigenous woman to lead a provincial or territorial government in Canada is being honoured with a new stamp. Canada Post says it has unveiled a stamp in honour of Cournoyea, known as a champion of her people in Canada’s western Arctic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Canada Post

Cournoyea was the first Indigenous woman, and second woman, to head a provincial or territorial government in Canada, serving as premier of the Northwest Territories from 1991 to 1995.

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Canada Post says in a statement Cournoyea is known for the unwavering vision, work ethic and heart that have guided her fight for Indigenous self-determination and Inuit empowerment.