Jennifer was inducted to Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony on March 10th, 2024 in the Coronet Hotel in Prince Albert.
“For me, I use the time, talents and treasure bestowed by God and enriched by my parents for the betterment of my Communities and believes that all people are capable of the same goodness.” .
Remarks by family members and Father Travis Myrheim:
Olivia: Hello my name is Olivia Ferchuk, Jennifer is my aunt and godmother and one of my first role models. This is Father Travis Myrheim my aunt’s best friend and together we will give remarks on behalf of the family.
Fr. Travis: Olivia and I would like to congratulate Jennifer Brown on this well deserved, prestigious award: Prince Albert’s Woman of Distinction, 2024. Jennifer’s life and contributions to this community exemplify the values of dedication, service, and cultural promotion that we have always admired in her. No matter what kind of activity, Jennifer often has Olivia or other of her nieces and Nephews in tow, keen to instill in them the importance of spending time with family, of serving other families, and helping out wherever there is a need.
In the church, Jennifer has always been involved, but also has inspired others to get involved. Last year, we took a group of young adults to Portugal to meet Pope Francis, and Jennifer organized many fundraising suppers to help us pay for the trip. But this wasn’t just a financial gain; she also brought many in the catholic community together again, especially after Covid.
Jennifer has a special place in her heart for the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, because of her family connection through her grand-aunt Soeur Therese St. Pierre. She would always cajole her family into going to Mass at the Sisters on 1405 Bishop Pascal Place.
Jennifer speaks to us:
I am humbled and grateful to be here today. I was at a loss for words when I was notified that I would be the 2024 inductee to the Prince Albert Council of Women’s Hall of Fame.
Growing up in the west flat in the 80s I never dreamed that I would be here. For me, the women who I looked up to were; mothers; caregivers, teachers, religious nuns, and those who come together at St. Michael’s Parish or Holy Trinity Anglican Church. I was a socially awkward Metis Dogan, sickly, who got beat up near every day by my own personal bully and shared my birthday parties with my older sister – my mom did that so kids would attend. Nothing about me screamed hall of fame material.
The 90’s weren’t that much better but I discovered who I was and where I was meant to start my journey. Metis politics and leadership it is in my blood, my 4th great grandfather was the acting governor of Rupert’s Land, his son was an interpreter for both the Canadian and American governments, and another son sat on the Council of Assiniboia and the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, and served as speaker of the house. For me I found my ancestral fit in politics. For the better part of 20 years, I volunteered my time and energies at all levels of Metis governance from the local to the region to the province to the nation where eventually had at the honor to represent my people at international conferences and summits, senate hearings and tripartite and bilateral accords. Had someone asked me then if I belonged in the hall of fame I would have confidently said yes.
Eventually I moved on to my most fulfilling pursuit education. For the last 10 years teachings and the 4 years of university, I found myself volunteering more and more each year.
I started thinking about all the wonderful and amazing women in my life who allowed me to be who I am without judgment or criticism; who supported and nurtured me and most importantly loved me unconditionally through all my faults and quirkiness.
The very first person who came to mind was my sweet aunty Therese – a wonderful lady who was a Sister of the Presentation of Mary. My grand aunt was a gem if she were here today she would pinch my cheeks, pull my hair and say “tay fou je t’aime”. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary they are a beacon of charity and kindness who brought education to Saskatchewan in such a beautiful way following the teachings of Mother Rivier and her love for Jesus. The Sisters collectively, have marked my heart with love and have provided me countless opportunities who share in the spirit of giving with a sense of humor. Even dressed up as a hotdog the sisters never turned me away. To them and to my aunty in heaven I am grateful and even though I haven’t worked any miracles like our beloved little Saint Marie Rivier I will keep trying. True story – my French is horrible; and because I loved my aunt I always tried my best to sing in French and at one particular mass the sisters were renewing their vows – I did not know this; what I knew was I had a piece of paper it was in French and I would do my best to get it right. My aunt smiled the entire time and afterwards she laughed and told me I had just taken my vows. I’m pretty sure that it didn’t count. Faith is the gift that my mother’s family gave to me and it has always led me to choose the right path.
My father’s family gave me something else entirely. It’s hard to articulate the importance of the women from this family. My gramma, aunties Mildred, Lillian, Pearl, and Iris (who was actually a cousin) were the grounding force of family. Love was their greatest gift and how they ensured we grew as a family together was amazing. These women were an institution – my gramma had Anglican bishops at her house like it was common practice and my aunty Mildred had a laugh that brought a house to life. They changed the lives of everyone they encountered, and they never did it for recognition they just did it because it was right.
While in politics I had a great many opportunities of people to look up to and admire. For a long time that number was huge but in the end there were only two women who shone brightly, Rosemarie Macpherson – a Michif speaker from Duck Bay who provided me the opportunity to learn to bead in the traditional way and my dear friend Jancie Henry. There is a table of women sitting over there. Teachers, Educational Associates, and some are retired, and they were my guiding force when I started with Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division. They took the time to reaffirm what I was doing was right and the relationships were worthwhile. I owe Sask. Rivers for taking a chance on me when they hired an Autistic Artistic Metis, but I promise you I made teaching and learning interesting.
Then there is my church group, which is odd because people have often forgotten that it is a huge part of who I am. St. Michael’s has now the honor of having two hall of famers, but in reality there are so many exceptional women from St. Mikes; Paula, Jackie, Kim, Anita, Gwen, Therese, and Margret. I could go on. In the heart of the west flat there is St. Michaels and without them I wouldn’t have the opportunity to share my love of faith with others. And, although he isn’t a she, it is my best friend Father Travis who falls into the category of exceptional people, I have to thank him. Thank you, best friend!
The last group of people whom I feel I need to address is my family. My sisters Amanda and Kim were my first act of volunteer services – walking them up each morning to go to school even when they didn’t want to. My brothers Matthew and Danny have always supported me and helped me along in life, to Danny, I am exceptional grateful because if it wasn’t for his intervention I might still be getting beaten up. Together, my siblings gave me the gift of 11 nieces and nephews.
My mom always inspired me to do my best and never take ‘no ‘for an answer. She was my first best friend. My dad on the other hand liked to call me smiley, I was his beloved. He was a humble and modest man who didn’t seek praise or gratitude. He did what he did, because he was able and it was the right thing. Together they raised us to be the best possible people we could. They both served the community in different ways but never to the disadvantage of family. Parkland Community Club was how I saw their service, it was their legacy. Children skated year after year because my dad made the ice and ensured its upkeep, and when he wasn’t able my brothers did the job. School children came to our house because my mom could make and decorate cakes. I try to be like both of them but tend to act on the humble side of my dad, the loud and proud part of my mom, it is a tribute to the parents who raised me and their wonderful proud part is my mom. I am only here because of my family. Thank you Prince Albert Council of Women for this wonderful acknowledgement, it is a tribute to the parents who raised me and their wonderful selfless sense of being.
Sent by Sister Lise Paquette, Presentation of Mary
