Edith Monture was born when Sir John A. Macdonald was prime minister. She died when Jean Chretien was Prime Minister.
In between, she was a war hero who devoted herself to Indigenous health care.
This is her story.
🧵 1/11
In between, she was a war hero who devoted herself to Indigenous health care.
This is her story.
🧵 1/11
Comments
Unfortunately, she was refused entry to Canadian nursing schools due to her race.
🧵2/11
She graduated at the top of her class. She remained in the United States and worked as nurse at a private school until 1917 when she joined the Army Nurse Corps.
🧵3/11
Before she left, she apparently received ceremonial clothing from her reserve in case she died overseas. Her community believed that she would not return due to so many dying in the war.
🧵4/11
She worked 14 hour days in work that was emotionally and physically draining.
During this time, she became close with Earl King, a wounded soldier.
🧵5/11
Sadly, one morning, he started to hemorrhage and died four hours later. His death left Monture heartbroken.
🧵6/11
Often, Monture walked the battlefield looking for wounded. She said:
"We would walk right over where there had been fighting. It was an awful sight."
Her wartime experience had a deep impact on her.
🧵7/11