Marion Lillian Ironquil Meadmore, one of Canada’s first Indigenous women called to the bar, is being remembered for her exceptional contributions to Indigenous self-governance and economic development. She passed away on February 19, 2024, at the age of 89 in Winnipeg. Born in 1936 on the Peepeekisis Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Ironquil Meadmore was of Ojibway, Cree, and Métis descent.
Her legal career, although short, was groundbreaking. She was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1978 at the age of 42, becoming an inspiration to many, including Karine Pelletier, Chair of the Manitoba Labour Board. Despite practicing law for only six years, Ironquil Meadmore co-founded Winnipeg’s first all-female law firm and was a key figure in the creation of the Indigenous Bar Association of Canada.
Ironquil Meadmore’s legacy extends beyond her legal work. She co-founded the first Indigenous and Métis Friendship Centre in Canada in 1959 and played an instrumental role in establishing the Assembly of First Nations and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. In 1970, she co-founded Kinew Housing, a non-profit housing corporation aimed at providing affordable housing for Indigenous people in Winnipeg.
Her efforts were recognized through multiple accolades, including the Order of Canada in 1985 and an honorary doctorate from the University of Manitoba in 2024. Ironquil Meadmore’s tireless work continues to benefit First Nations people, particularly in Winnipeg, where her legacy lives on through the institutions she helped build.
Ironquil Meadmore’s passing is mourned by many, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who described her as a trailblazer, a leader in Indigenous governance, and a woman whose resilience and achievements left an indelible mark on the community.
Source: Swifteradio.com
