Catholic school named after Métis Elder Elsie Yanik

(Photo Supplied: Métis Elder Elsie Yanik receives an Honorary Law Degree from the University of Alberta on June 11, 2014. Richard Siemens / UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA)

The new Catholic School in Parsons Creek now has a name following a Board meeting Monday night.

Elsie Yanik Catholic School is scheduled to open in the fall of 2017.

Yanik is a distinguished Métis Elder who at 98-years-old lives in Fort McMurray but previously called Fort Chipewyan home. She was ordained as a lay minister to perform the Roman Catholic preist’s duties in Fort Chipewyan for over a decade when the community did not have a resident priest.

She has been blessed by Pope John Paul II, received the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal, Honorary Degrees from the University of Alberta and Keyano College, she was the recipient of the Indspire 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award, and was an Olympic Torchbearer in Fort McMurray for the 2010 Olympics.

“Elsie Yanik is a strong promoter of education and women in education,” said Tracy McKinnon, Board Chair. “Elsie Yanik represents the best of humanity through her strength, unrivaled commitment, acts of courage, sacrifice and fortitude to many in our region. It is with considerable pride with which we name Elsie Yanik Catholic School.”

The elder has served the community in a number of ways including with the Catholic Women’s League, a decade of service to the Young Offenders Board and work with the Nunee Health Authority in Fort Chipewyan.