Disinherited Generations

This oral autobiography of two remarkable Cree women tells their life stories against a backdrop of government discrimination, First Nations activism, and the resurgence of First Nations communities. Nellie Carlson and Kathleen Steinhauer, who helped to organize the Indian Rights for Indian Women movement in western Canada in the 1960s, fought the Canadian government's interpretation of treaty and Indigenous Rights, the Indian Act, and the male power structure in their own communities in pursuit of equal rights for Indigenous women and children. After decades of activism and court battles, First Nations women succeeded in changing these oppressive regulations, thus benefitting thousands of their descendants. Those interested in human rights, activism, history, and Indigenous Studies will find that these personal stories, enriched by detailed notes and photographs, form a passionate record of an important, continuing struggle. Foreword by Maria Campbell. Two Cree women fought injustices regarding the rights of Indigenous women and children in Canada. This oral autobiography of two remarkable Cree women tells their life stories against a backdrop of government discrimination, First Nations activism, and the resurgence of First Nations communities. Nellie Carlson and Kathleen Steinhauer, who helped to organize the Indian Rights for Indian Women movement in western Canada in the 1960s, fought the Canadian government's interpretation of treaty and Aboriginal rights, the Indian Act, and the male power structure in their own communities in pursuit of equal rights for Aboriginal women and children. After decades of activism and court battles, First Nations women succeeded in changing these oppressive regulations, thus benefitting thousands of their descendants. Those interested in human rights, activism, history, and Native Studies will find that these personal stories, enriched by detailed notes and photographs, form a passionate record of an important, continuing struggle. "We made history. It was thought at one time that it could never be done, but we did it." -Nellie Carlson "I made the snowballs, and Nellie threw them." -Kathleen Steinhauer Nellie Carlson was born into the Saddle Lake Cree Nation and is a founder and long-time activist with Indian Rights for Indian Women. She lives in Edmonton. Kathleen Steinhauer (1932-2012) was born into the Saddle Lake Cree Nation and was a founder and long-time activist with Indian Rights for Indian Women. Linda Goyette is a writer, editor, and award-winning journalist. After working for Canadian daily newspapers for twenty years, she published seven books on oral history, contemporary storytelling, and human rights. She divides her time between Alberta and Ontario. Two Cree women fought injustices regarding the rights of Indigenous women and children in Canada. 20 B&W photographs, notes, appendices, index, foreword "...a unique and unforgettable look into the lives of two determined Aboriginal women, whose extraordinary efforts and unwavering determination helped to set new precedents and changed the way that Canada's Indian Act perceived and treated First Nations women.... This oral autobiography, which is highlighted by detailed notes, photographs and personal stories of tumultuous times and triumphant achievements, is a must read for every student of Native Studies and those interested in learning more about the quest for dignity, human rights, gains made through various types of peaceful activism, and Aboriginal history in Canada as a whole." John Copley, Alberta Native News, March 2013 "Knowing about these two women's stories (as well as those of important people like Jenny Shirt Margetts and Mary Two-Axe Earley among numerous others) is one of the missing pieces of a complex puzzle about contemporary Canadian history and the treatment of a large group of our country's citizens." Scott Hayes, St. Albert Gazette, April 10, 2013 "Disinherited Generations is an oral history of Carlson and