Canada Post has introduced a new stamp honouring the remarkable life and accomplishments of Nellie Cournoyea, a prominent advocate for the Inuvialuit people in Canada’s western Arctic.
A stamp honouring Nellie Cournoyea (CNW Group/Canada Post)
Cournoyea, who served as the Premier of the Northwest Territories from 1991 to 1995, was the first Indigenous woman and the second woman overall to lead a provincial or territorial government in Canada.
This stamp is part of Canada Post’s multi-year Indigenous Leaders series, and it will be released alongside two other stamps on June 21.
Born in Aklavik, Northwest Territories, Cournoyea grew up in a traditional lifestyle and pursued a career in radio and land claims. She played a pivotal role in negotiating the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, which secured a significant land settlement of over 90,000 square kilometres. Throughout her career, she held various ministerial positions and made significant contributions to the discussions that led to the creation of Nunavut. Following her time in office, Cournoyea served as the head of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation for two decades.
The stamp features a recent photograph of Cournoyea taken in 2022.
The Official First Day Cover and the booklet’s interior showcase a captivating photograph of Nellie Cournoyea captured by Tessa Macintosh in 1993. This image is skillfully overlaid onto a photograph taken at Trout Lake in the Northwest Territories by Robert Postma, creating a visually striking composition.
The cancellation mark depicts a white (or Arctic) fox, symbolizing the Northwest Territories coat of arms.
This stamp is part of Indigenous Leaders stamp series and aims to celebrate the achievements of contemporary Indigenous leaders, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, who have dedicated their lives to preserving their cultures and enhancing the well-being of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
In addition to Cournoyea, stamps honoring George Manuel and Thelma Chalifoux, two other Indigenous leaders, will be released on National Indigenous Peoples Day. The stamp unveiling events for Manuel and Chalifoux will take place on June 12 in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and June 13 in St. Albert, Alberta, respectively. With these stamps, Canada Post recognizes the tremendous contributions and ongoing legacy of these inspiring individuals.