Born: 1911 (Kahnawake, Quebec, Canada)
Biography:
Mary Two-Axe Earley, born Mary Two-Axe on October 4, 1911, was a Mohawk and Oneida women’s rights activist from the reserve of Kahnawake in Quebec, Canada. She dedicated her life to fighting against the gender discrimination ingrained in the Indian Act, which denied First Nations women their rights and participation in the political and cultural life of their home reserves.
Mary Two-Axe Earley’s journey as an advocate for change began when she lost her legal Indian status due to marrying a non-status man. The Indian Act, influenced by Victorian-era European notions of gender and power, perpetuated gender discrimination by allowing First Nations men to marry non-status women while stripping women of their Indian status upon marriage to non-status men.
In 1967, Two-Axe Earley played a pivotal role in establishing the Equal Rights for Indian Women organization and led the submission of a compelling brief to the Royal Commission on the Status of Women. Her efforts propelled the issue of gender discrimination within the Indian Act into the national spotlight, generating widespread awareness and support for change.
Driven by her unwavering determination, Two-Axe Earley co-founded the Québec Native Women’s Association in 1974. This organization aimed to uplift and empower Indigenous women, advocating for their equal rights and challenging the oppressive systems that denied them agency and voice. Two-Axe Earley’s relentless activism paved the way for progress and justice for First Nations women.
In 1975, Two-Axe Earley garnered national and international attention when she fearlessly confronted her band council’s attempt to formally evict her from Kahnawake at the International Women’s Year conference in Mexico. Her courage and determination inspired others to resist and fight against the gender discrimination perpetuated by traditional power structures.
The culmination of Mary Two-Axe Earley’s tireless advocacy came on June 28, 1985, when the Canadian Parliament passed Bill C-31. This historic legislation amended the Indian Act, dismantling its original gender discrimination and offering a pathway for affected First Nations women to regain their lost legal and cultural identity. Two-Axe Earley herself became the first woman to have her Indian status restored, symbolizing a triumph over injustice and a momentous step towards equality.
Mary Two-Axe Earley’s unwavering dedication and tenacity in fighting for Indigenous women’s rights left an indelible mark on Canadian society. Her unwavering spirit and fearless advocacy brought about transformative change, allowing thousands of First Nations women and their descendants the opportunity to reclaim their legal and cultural identity under Canadian law.