"Elsie Knott" by Anna Heffernan

Anna Heffernan is a multidisciplinary artist of Michi Saagii Nishnaabe, Irish and French-Canadian heritage. Her work includes acrylic painting, digital drawing, and beadwork. She is a member of Curve Lake First Nation, just like the woman she chose to honour, Elsie Knott. Elsie was the first woman to be elected as Chief in Canada, when she was elected to lead Curve Lake First Nation in 1954. Before 1951, when the Indian Act was amended, women were not allowed to vote or run for office in band elections. Anna chose to feature Elsie out of respect for her service to their community, and because she is proud of their community for their early embrace of women in leadership. She incorporated an eagle in the background to represent the Eagle clan which is traditionally a clan of leaders.

Printed on 11x17”
(Frame not included)