"The Only Way to Live Your Life is to be Kind"1
This tribute to Aboriginal women, titled The Centenarians,
was produced to coincide with the Province of Alberta’s 100 year
anniversary. This film production was created through a
partnership between EnCana Energy, Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development and the Institute for the Advancement of
Aboriginal Women. The Centenarians were acknowledged at the 10th
Annual Esquao Awards 2005 Celebration that took place on May 26,
2005at Northlands Agricom in Edmonton, Alberta.
In this nine minute video, you will be introduced to three
outstanding Elders. These women truly are the keepers of
knowledge. Listen as they discuss their lives and tell stories
from their past. From learning Cree to learning how to prepare
moose meat to caring for their families, these Elders
demonstrate the importance of women to Aboriginal society. With
the values of truth, honor and beauty Mary Benoit, Bella Gladue,
and Flora Cardinal exemplify the pivotal role of women to the
continuity of their communities and their traditional way of
life.
Elder Profiles:
Mary Benoit
Mary was born at Lac La Nonne on August 27, 1903 but has lived
in St. Albert for most of her life. She married Pat Benoit in
1922 and together they raised nine children. Mary has twelve
grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren and fourteen
great great grandchildren. The majority of these children still
reside in the St. Albert and Edmonton Area. Mary lived
independently until February 2003 and now resides in a nursing
home.
Bella Gladue
Bella was born in Sturgeon Lake, Alberta on May 13, 1905 and was
raised in Grouard. She married Jim Gladue and together they
raised eight children. She has over one-hundred grandchildren,
great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Bella
currently resides with her grandson and his wife in Grande
Prairie.
Flora Cardinal
Flora was born December 25, 1901 and resides in Kehewin,
Alberta. She raised eight children and has twenty-four
grandchildren, as well as many great grandchildren and great great
grandchildren. Flora lived semi-independently until November
2004 when she moved to a nursing home.
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