Elsie Charles Basque receives honorary doctorate from Acadia University

Elsie Charles Basque was presented with an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities in a special ceremony at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

On a bright and sunny afternoon in May 2013, Acadia University bestowed Elder Dr. Elsie Charles Basque with an honorary doctorate. In a special convocation event at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Acadia University recognized Elsie’s dedication to the field of education by presenting her with an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities.

Born in 1916, Elsie earned her teaching certificate in 1937 from the Provincial Normal College in Truro, becoming the first Mi’kmaw person to receive a teacher’s license and eventually, the first Mi’kmaq to teach in a non-Native school. After a long career that took her from Nova Scotia to Massachusetts, Elsie returned to Saulnierville, Nova Scotia, in the 1980s. She continues to be actively involved in her community as well as with the Mi’kmawey Debert project.

Elders Advisory Council
Visitor Experiences at the future Mikmawey Debert Cultural Centre