Cummings recognized for her volunteer work

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For years Nora Cummings has been working to help improve the situation for Aboriginal women across the province. On May 13, her efforts were recognized when she was awarded a 2003 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.

The Metis senator was one of eight citizens to receive the medal, handed out by Lt.-Gov.Dr. Lynda Haverstock at the provincial legislature. The medals are awarded to recognize outstanding volunteer service or exceptional community involvement.

Cummings' accomplishments are many. She was a founding member and president of the Saskatoon Metis Society, Local 11, and founded the Saskatchewan Native Women's Association. Through her work with the association, she worked to establish eight women's referral centres across the province and also established daycare centres.

She was also a founding member of the Native Women's Association of Canada, and sat on the association's board of directors.

The list of organizations she has been involved in is long and varied, including the Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon and the Legal Aid Board. She has also been involved in the Saskatchewan Native Housing Board, the Metis Family Justice Commission and the Commanding Officer's Aboriginal Advisory Committee with the RCMP. Cummings is also on the board of directors of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, is on the Citizen's Advisory Board to the Human Resources Development Agency and is an Elder with the Metis Urban Self-Government Council of Saskatchewan Inc.

This award is far from being the first Cummings has earned through her hard work and dedication. During International Women's Year in 1975, the City of Saskatoon recognized her for her efforts, and in 1986 the province recognized her as an outstanding woman. In 1992 she was named Mrs. Batoche.

Seventy-three Saskatchewan citizens have been awarded Saskatchewan Volunteer Medals since the award was established in 1995.