Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Rose Charlie, the grand chief of B.C. on receiving one of the Governor General's awards last week. The awards are given in commemoration of the Persons case, the decision of the British Privy Council which declared Canadian women to be persons.
Rose was given the award for over 25 years of public service and for her outstanding contributions to improving and advancing the life of natives, aboriginal women in particular.
As a founding member of Indian Rights for Indian Women, Rose helped change discriminatory legislation that deprived aboriginal women of their status when they married non-Indians or American native men. The change has enabled thousands of women and their children to regain their status. She also helped to start the Indian Homemakers Association of B.C. in the late
1960s when there were not any native organizations in the province.
Rose remains active in the community today serving as president of the Mission Friendship Centre and participating in numerous organizations.
Please join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Rose Charlie.