Legacy

Thelma Chalifoux passed away in St. Albert in 2017 at the age of 88. She continues to be remembered for her work for the Métis community and building Indigenous and Women’s rights in Canada.

Chalifoux’s legacy is commemorated by many today. She was the first Métis woman to receive the Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1994 (now known as the Indspire Award). She received an honorary doctorate from the University of Toronto in 2004. The University of Alberta named one of their residence buildings Thelma Chalifoux Hall in 2018. NAIT presents the Senator Thelma Chalifoux Award to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated commitment to success of Indigenous students.

In 2020, the Edmonton Public School Board opened the Thelma Chalifoux School in the Larkspur community, a new junior high school named in her honour.

In 2023, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp in Chalifoux’s honour, with the unveiling ceremony taking place at Michif Cultural Connections in St. Albert.

Image credits:  Courtesy of Canada Post