Persona

Ledoux, Nora

April 22, 1929

Nora (nee Arcand) Ledoux was born on the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation on April 22, 1929 to Joseph and Adeline Arcand. Nora stayed at home on the reserve with her parents until September of 1936, when she was sent to the St. Michael's Indian Residential School in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. She attended St Michael's school until she was discharged in the spring of 1945. She then returned to her home community, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. After returning home, Nora worked at a café called Winks in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan. She also took jobs as a domestic for farmers in the area surrounding Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. Nora married Vincent Ledoux on April 23, 1951. Nora had nine children (Geraldine Marie 1950, Myrtle Rosalie 1952-1986, Vivian Adeline 1954, Gilbert Charles 1955, Emily Mary 1957, Donna Blanche 1960, Joey Anthony 1962, Dennis Vincent 1964, and Brenda Lee 1967). Nora and Vincent farmed on the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. Although farming was hard work, Nora remembers how the whole community would help each other out: "it was an everyday occurrence to give a helping hand to other farmers. It was nice. No one would have to ask. They'd just show up and offer to help." In 1972, Nora was hired by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to work in the Marcelin School as a guidance councilor. Nora's position was eventually transferred from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to the Blaine Lake School Division and Nora held her position with Marcelin School until she retired in 1987. Nora's husband Vincent had passed away July 25, 1981 after 30 years of marriage. Nora lives on the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation where she is retired, but is an active Elder in the community and an avid fan of all forms of sports.

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