Canada Post will release its fourth set of stamps on June 20, celebrating three Indigenous leaders: Julia Haogak Ogina, an Inuit drum dance teacher and language advocate; Sophie McDougall, a Métis language keeper and educator; and Bruce Starlight, a Tsúut’ínà Elder and language revitalization leader.
“Since 2022, this series has recognized Indigenous leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities and the country,” Canada Post stated in its announcement.
According to Canada Post, Julia Haogak Ogina, born in 1962 in Ulukhaktok, NWT, is known for her tireless work to protect Inuit culture and traditions. She served as a translator and research assistant on The Northern Copper Inuit: A History (1996), documenting the rapid pace of socio-economic change in her birthplace. An accomplished drum dance teacher and leader, she helped publish Huqqullaarutit Unipkaangit (Stories Told through Drum Dance Songs) in 2017.
Through nearly two decades with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Ogina has contributed to creating a regional language framework and programs that foster oral learning and knowledge transfer. She received an Outstanding Achievement in Language Revitalization award from the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit in 2017 and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2020.
Sophie McDougall, seen here in a portrait, dedicated her life to preserving the Michif language and sharing Métis culture with her community in St. Louis, Saskatchewan. (Photo from Facebook.)
Canada Post notes that Sophie McDougall (1928–2023), born in St. Louis, Sask., dedicated her life to sharing Métis culture and the Michif language. A descendant of the area’s original settlers, she faced discrimination in teachers’ college but persevered to become a beloved educator and Elder with the Prince Albert Métis Women’s Association.
McDougall translated books and other resources into Michif, appeared in the YouTube series Métis Women Stories in her late 80s, and contributed to the Learn Michif French app. In 2023, she was awarded the Order of Gabriel Dumont Gold Medal for her lifelong service to the Métis community.
Bruce Starlight, born in 1947 on the Tsúut’ínà Nation near Calgary, Alta., has spent more than five decades working to preserve the Tsúut’ínà language and culture. Canada Post highlights his role as a language commissioner for his community and a founder of the Tsúut’ínà Gunáhà Násʔághà institute, which is dedicated to language preservation and revitalization.
Bruce Starlight, seen here at an honorary doctorate ceremony at Mount Royal University, has devoted more than 50 years to preserving the Tsúut’ínà language and culture. (Mount Royal University Photo.)
Starlight has developed dictionaries, recordings and traditional narratives in Tsúut’ínà and continues to mentor, advise and serve as a cultural ambassador. In 2023, he received an honorary doctorate from Mount Royal University.
Since the launch of the Indigenous Leaders stamp series in 2022, Canada Post has honoured several notable figures. The inaugural 2022 issue featured Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier, Jose Kusugak and Harry Daniels. In 2023, stamps were issued for Nellie Cournoyea, George Manuel and Thelma Chalifoux. The 2024 release celebrated Elisapie, Josephine Mandamin and Christi Belcourt.
The new stamps and collectibles will be available at select postal outlets and online at canadapost.ca starting June 20.