Memorable Manitobans: Constance Thomas Eyolfson [Rainbow Woman] (1936-2002)

Community activist.

Born at Traverse Bay on 10 May 1936, daughter of Josie and Maud Thomas, in 1954 she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and in 1957 married Gerald Eyolfson. In 1980 she attained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba. She worked for the Children’s Home of Winnipeg, Manitoba Metis Federation (Acting President, 1973-1974), Alcoholism Foundation of Manitoba, Anishinabe School, and Secretary of State Department in the federal government. In 1992 she established the Strong Earth Woman Lodge and for 10 years she helped people, families and communities find their own path to healing their spirits, as well as volunteering for her church and many Indigenous organizations. She died on 8 December 2002 and her funeral was held at the St. Alexander Parish Church in Fort Alexander. She was selected posthumously as a Manitoba Women Trailblazer.

Sources:

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 11 December 2002.

“They will never be forgotten” by Kevin Rollason, Winnipeg Free Press, 31 December 2002, page A8.

This page was prepared by Ian Stewart.

Page revised: 1 February 2021

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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