Chief Theresa Spence

Chief Theresa Spence was a prominent Indigenous leader in Canada, serving as the chief of the Attawapiskat First Nation in Ontario. She gained national attention in 2012 for her hunger strike to protest government policies regarding Indigenous rights, poverty, and land disputes. Her activism aimed to highlight systemic issues faced by First Nations communities, advocating for greater self-governance and fair treatment. Spence’s efforts drew widespread awareness and sparked discussions on Indigenous sovereignty, highlighting ongoing challenges related to colonialism, resource rights, and social justice in Canada.