Portrait of 2 Pioneers; Phillip Fontaine & Laura Holland
Change & Influence in Canadian Social Welfare:
A Portrait of Phillip Fontaine & Laura Holland
Mary Rose McGeady once said, “There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone 's life.” Canadian history has had several pioneers that set a precedent within the Social Welfare system in tremendous ways. Simply by having the want to make a difference in the lives of others, and the courage to take action. Within this essay you will read about 2 Canadian pioneers. Phillip Fontaine, National Chief of AFN who has brought forth the truth regarding Residential Schools in Canada. Therefore, creating programs to attempt reconciliation between Nations and Government. Laura Holland, RN and Social Worker. Whose avocation and work within the Social Services and Healthcare fields, has brought forth many positive changes which are still valued and in place to date. These remarkable individuals had the ability to utilize their education, passion and courage to create fundamental changes. Larry Phillip (Phil) Fontaine was born in Manitoba, Canada on September 20, 1944 at the Sagkeeng First Nation on the Fort Alexander Reserve. Phillip was brought up in a large family setting, consisting of ten brothers and two sisters. Phillip’s mother was forced to work several jobs to support her family shortly after the death of her husband. During her career she became involved with politics, and in 1952 became the first Aboriginal woman elected to a band council. His mother’s success and historical contribution within the political world, inspired Phillip Fontaine to become involved with politics. Like many other revolutionary pioneers in our time, there was a cause and effect reaction to Phillips involvement in the political world. As a child he was exposed to the traumatizing environment of Residential Schools. For a duration of 10 months out of the year for a period of 7 years, Phillip resided at a Residential School
A Portrait of Phillip Fontaine & Laura Holland
Mary Rose McGeady once said, “There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone 's life.” Canadian history has had several pioneers that set a precedent within the Social Welfare system in tremendous ways. Simply by having the want to make a difference in the lives of others, and the courage to take action. Within this essay you will read about 2 Canadian pioneers. Phillip Fontaine, National Chief of AFN who has brought forth the truth regarding Residential Schools in Canada. Therefore, creating programs to attempt reconciliation between Nations and Government. Laura Holland, RN and Social Worker. Whose avocation and work within the Social Services and Healthcare fields, has brought forth many positive changes which are still valued and in place to date. These remarkable individuals had the ability to utilize their education, passion and courage to create fundamental changes. Larry Phillip (Phil) Fontaine was born in Manitoba, Canada on September 20, 1944 at the Sagkeeng First Nation on the Fort Alexander Reserve. Phillip was brought up in a large family setting, consisting of ten brothers and two sisters. Phillip’s mother was forced to work several jobs to support her family shortly after the death of her husband. During her career she became involved with politics, and in 1952 became the first Aboriginal woman elected to a band council. His mother’s success and historical contribution within the political world, inspired Phillip Fontaine to become involved with politics. Like many other revolutionary pioneers in our time, there was a cause and effect reaction to Phillips involvement in the political world. As a child he was exposed to the traumatizing environment of Residential Schools. For a duration of 10 months out of the year for a period of 7 years, Phillip resided at a Residential School
References: Chappell, R. (2010). The Functions of Social Welfare. In Social Welfare in Canadian Society (p. 5). Toronto: Nelson Education. Marshall, T. (2013). Phil Fontaine. Retrieved from The Canadian Encyclopedia: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/phil-fontaine McGeady, M. R. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Quotations Page: http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/31685.html Paulson, E., Zilm, G., & Warbinek, E. (2000, September). Profile of a Leader: Pioneer Government Advisor: Laura Holland, RN, RRC, CBE, LLD (1883-1956). Retrieved from Longwoods.com: http://www.longwoods.com/content/16317/print Thompson, J. (1991, June 11). Phil Fontaine Native Diplomat and Dealmaker. Life on the Reserve: Joy then Pain. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/archives/categories/politics/parties-leaders/phil-fontaine-native-diplomat-and-dealmaker/life-on-the-reserve-joy-then-pain.html Turner, F. J. (2005). Encyclopedia of Canadian Social Work. In Encyclopedia of Canadian Social Work (pp. 180-181). Wilfred Laurier University Press.