The Official First Day Cover features a stamp honouring Language Keeper Sophie McDougall (1928-2023), who shared extensive knowledge of her Métis culture and language with generations of students and community members over her long life.

The stamp is one of three in the 2025 Indigenous Leaders issue, the fourth set of stamps in the Indigenous Leaders series. It is cancelled in St. Louis, Saskatchewan, where McDougall was born and raised.

Good to know

The Indigenous Leaders series recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders. The 2025 issue pays tribute to three remarkable knowledge/language keepers:

Sophie McDougall – Métis
Haogak Ogina – Inuit
Bruce Starlight – First Nations

About the Indigenous Leaders series

The Indigenous Leaders series, launched in 2022, highlights the contributions of modern-day First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders who dedicated their lives to preserving their culture and improving the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

About Sophie McDougall

Sophie McDougall (née Margaret Sophie Boyer, 1928-2023) shared extensive knowledge of her Métis culture and language with generations of students and community members over her long life. She was born in St. Louis, Saskatchewan – a descendant of one of the area’s original settlers. As a Métis woman, McDougall experienced discrimination at teachers’ college but faced it with courage and determination. She graduated at age 17 and spent many years as a devoted schoolteacher.

An Elder with the Prince Albert Métis Women’s Association in Saskatchewan for 20 years, she translated books and other materials into Michif, the traditional language of the Métis. Michif is categorized as critically endangered by UNESCO.

McDougall was a dedicated Language Keeper who also worked with many organizations in Prince Albert to document and teach the regional dialect Michif French. She appeared in the YouTube series Métis Women Stories when she was in her late 80s and later contributed to the creation of the Learn Michif French app. In 2023, McDougall received the Order of Gabriel Dumont Gold Medal in recognition of her lifetime of service to the Métis of Canada.

About the design

The front of the Official First Cay Cover features photographs of the Old St. Louis Roman Catholic Church and the original St. Louis Bridge, both located in the Saskatchewan town of the same name, where McDougall was born and raised.

The front also includes the text “Sophie McDougall 1928-2023” and her stamp, cancelled in St. Louis, Saskatchewan.

The stamp was cancelled on June 20, in connection with National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). The cancel features an illustration of an old schoolhouse bell, symbolizing the pivotal role that education played in McDougall’s life.

Product # 414298131

Indigenous Leaders – Sophie McDougall: Official First Day Cover (2025)