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The following is a profile of Native Veterans board member Isabel Houston, who is the
designated women’s representative for the organization.Isabel Houston was born in
Ear Falls on March 19, 1934. She attended Ear Falls Public School, followed by Red Lake
High School. Isabel did not complete grade 12, due to her father’s illness. However,
as she was very determined to finish her schooling, Isabel registered for correspondence,
courses while assisting with running the business, consisted of a general store and
tourist camp. It must have been very difficult to have so much responsibility for a young
woman of that age. |
In early 1955, Isabel enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Her training started in
St. John, Quebec on March 11, 1955. She was posted to 7 Supply Depot, Station Namao,
Alberta. It was here she began her career as an IBM operator.Following Isabel’s
discharge she moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where she began her own family which
consisted of three boys. She continued working as an IBM operator from 1958 to 1972.
Isabel returned to Ear Falls in 1972. Not long after her arrival, she was employed at
the Ear Falls Information and Referral Centre. During the term of her employment her
duties included such things as limited counselling, referrals, information pamphlets,
etc... She was also involved with the implementation of ten low-income houses.
In 1975, Isabel obtained work in Winnipeg where she met and married Bill Houston, who
also served in the Canadian Air Force. As a result of Isabel’s husband’s working
situation, they moved to Ignace, Ontario in 1977. Her husband is a miner and hired at
Mattabi Mines. While her husband spent days away working in the mines, Isabel found work
at the Greyhound Bus Depot as Passenger and Freight Agent, Taxi Dispatcher and Grill cook.
She was also a volunteer with Legion Branch 168 as Ways and Means Chairperson. Their main
objective was to raise funds to repay the mortgage for their renovations. |
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