Elsie Yanik

Elsie Yanik (born Elsie Rose Larocque; 25 September 1917 – 27 November 2016) was a Canadian Métis elder and community leader. She was known for her contributions to Indigenous advocacy, spiritual leadership, health promotion, and volunteer service in the Wood Buffalo region in northern Alberta.[1]

Early life and education

Elsie was born in Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta, the sixth of eleven children born to parents Mary Flett and Henry Larocque. After her mother died when she was eight years old, she was sent to the Grey Nuns Convent in Fort Resolution, Northwest Territories. At 17 she left the convent to attend a nurses’ aide program in Fort Smith.[2]

Community Involvement

In 1936, Elsie married Lawrence Yanik. They lived in Fort Chipewyan for over 40 years. Yanik was deeply involved in the Dene, Cree, and Métis community. She was known for her skills in traditional crafts such as parka making and beading, and she shared this knowledge by teaching others. Yanik was also an active member of the Catholic Women's League. In the absence of a resident priest in the community, she served as a lay minister, officiating at baptisms, weddings, and funerals.[3]

Yanik served as president of the board of Voice of Native Women of Alberta and volunteered on the Young Offenders Board. At the Nunee Health Authority in Fort Chipewyan, she promoted culturally grounded Indigenous health services.[4]

She encouraged Indigenous youth to pursue education, drawing on her personal experience to illustrate the importance of lifelong learning.[5]

Recognition and Legacy

Yanik received many awards and honors during her lifetime. These included a blessing from Pope John Paul II, the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal, the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award, and the Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.[6] She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta in 2014[7] and an honorary diploma from Keyano College.

Yanik was an olympic torch-bearer for the 2010 Winter Games.[8]

In 2017, the Fort McMurray Catholic School District named a new school in her honour: Elsie Yanik Catholic School.[3]

The Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith established the Elsie Yanik Award in 1997 to recognize individuals who demonstrate service and commitment to their communities.[9]

University of Alberta awards the Dr Elsie Yanik Scholarship in Nursing and the Dr Elsie Yanik Scholarship in Native Studies.[10][11]

Keyano College awards The Elsie Yanik Memorial Scholarship for demonstrated Indigenous identity, advocacy and community involvement.[12]

In 2014 Russell Thomas painted a mural of Yanik in Fort McMurray.[13][14]

References

  1. ^ Barkwell, Lawrence J. (2018). Métis Dictionary of Biography. Volume T to Z (PDF). Louis Riel Institute. p. 77. ISBN 978-1-927531-17-4.
  2. ^ "Relocation and family: The story of Métis woman Elsie Yanik of Fort Fitzgerald | Alberta Stories". Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  3. ^ a b Thurton, David (21 Sep 2018). "School of kindness: Fort McMurray honours Métis elder who believed in its power". CBC News. Retrieved 13 Sep 2025.
  4. ^ "Elsie Yanik – A Valiant Pioneer". Community Stories. Digital Museums Canada. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  5. ^ "Elsie Yanik—Métis Elder encouraged young people to pursue education". Windspeaker.com. Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  6. ^ "Elsie Yanik". Indspire. 13 January 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  7. ^ Betkowski, Bev (11 June 2014). "Give gifts of kindness, Métis elder encourages grads". University of Alberta. Retrieved 13 Sep 2025.
  8. ^ "Métis elder carries Olympic Torch" (PDF). Métis Voyageur. Feb 2010. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  9. ^ "Diocesan Awards". Catholic Women’s League of Canada, Alberta Mackenzie Council. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  10. ^ "Nursing". University of Alberta. Retrieved 13 Sep 2025.
  11. ^ "Native Studies". University of Alberta. Retrieved 13 Sep 2025.
  12. ^ "Scholarships and Bursaries". Keyano College. Retrieved 13 Sep 2025.
  13. ^ "Fort McMurray artist uses 'wild colour' to bring portrait subjects to life". CBC News. 14 Nov 2018. Retrieved 13 Sep 2025.
  14. ^ Thomas, Russell (Dec 2015). "Murals Honor Local Legends". Your McMurray Magazine. Retrieved 13 Sep 2025.
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