It’s achieving a balance,’ says newest of 4 female chiefs in 10 Quebec Cree communities – CBC

Christina Gilpin was elected the 1st female chief of Wemindji this week

Sep 21, 2017

The James Bay Cree community of Wemindji has elected it first-ever female chief, Christina Gilpin.

Her win means four of the 10 Quebec Cree communities now have women chiefs.

“It’s a great honour to be trusted to take this position by the people,” said Gilpin, who grew up in the community about 1,300 kilometres north of Montreal on the shore of James Bay. She says she’s been interested in politics since Grade 5.

And while she says she didn’t think of the gender balance when deciding to run for chief, she does believe it will have a positive impact.

Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/christina-gilpin-chief-election-1.4299516