Melanie Mark grew up in one of Canada's poorest neighborhoods, moving around the social housing system while her mother struggled with addiction and her siblings lived in foster care. Decades later, she is the first indigenous woman to be elected to British Columbia’s (B.C.) legislature in the riding of the Vancouver-Mount Pleasant province as she is one of two Opposition New Democrats to win by-elections in early February 2016. Legislative Clerk Craig James said Mark and Jodie Wickens represent the 101st and 102nd women elected to B.C.'s legislature since 1917, when women received the right to vote and run for office. "Here we are making history. It's really a testament of where British Columbia wants to go, and that's really about reconciliation'' declared Melanie Mark. To read the full story and watch the drummers, dancers and politicians who welcomed Mark to her swearing-in ceremony, click here.
Melanie Mark grew up in one of Canada's poorest neighborhoods, moving around the social housing system while her mother struggled with addiction and her siblings lived in foster care. Decades later, she is the first indigenous woman to be elected to British Columbia’s (B.C.) legislature in the riding of the Vancouver-Mount Pleasant province as she is one of two Opposition New Democrats to win by-elections in early February 2016. Legislative Clerk Craig James said Mark and Jodie Wickens represent the 101st and 102nd women elected to B.C.'s legislature since 1917, when women received the right to vote and run for office. "Here we are making history. It's really a testament of where British Columbia wants to go, and that's really about reconciliation'' declared Melanie Mark. To read the full story and watch the drummers, dancers and politicians who welcomed Mark to her swearing-in ceremony, click here.