As one of the co-founders of the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association in 1972, Helen Martin's name is synonymous with the provincial association. But Helen Martin was more than that. She was a walking encyclopedia of historical facts on Mi'kmaw religion, history and Mi'kmaw culture in general.
Helen was born on November 4, 1921 on the old King's Road reserve in Sydney to Ben and Jane (Denny) Christmas. Twelve children were born to the Christmas'.
Helen married Max Basque of Picture Landing and lived there for four years. After his death and most of her adult life, she lived in Membertou.
Helen had to overcome a lot of hardships in her life, especially her health. As a toddler, she developed a bone disease and had to be hospitalized in the Children's Hospital in Halifax for about 10 years. While in the hospital she was tutored by the doctors and nurses, so this was where she received her early education.
Helen enjoyed telling how she was cured by the old Mi'kmaw medicine man from her reserve after the doctors had given up hope and were ready to cut off both her arms. The medicine man told her father to get her from the hospital and he would see if he could cure her. He was able to cure her in six weeks, but to this day no one knows what he used.
Helen was very proud of the accomplishments of her father, Chief Ben E. Christmas and the work he had done for the Mi'kmaw people. She gathered a wealth of information over the years and had hoped someday to write a book.
The Nova Scotia Native Women's Association is a living monument to Helen Martin's hard work and dedication. She often recalled that when the association was being formed time were tough and it wasn't uncommon for the provincial president to hitchhike to meetings. But she did get there, and she made her views known in getting fair and just treatment for women.
Helen served seven terms as the provincial President and was a board member for the Native Women's Association of Canada. She also served on the board of the Mi'kmaw Family & Children's Services, another organization she was instrumental in getting started.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to her community, Helen was presented with the Women of the Year Award in 1975 by then Premier Gerald Regan, and then in 1978, the province presented her another award for Voluntary Service on behalf of the community. In her home community of Membertou, she was honoured with the Life-Long Community Service Award.
Of this award she said, "I accept the awards on behalf of native women. I can understand and share your achievements, concerns and aspirations. Without your help, I wouldn't have made it."
Helen Martin made a difference in the lives of Mi'kmaw women. As women we lost a true champion of our rights when she passed away in 1994.