Ellen Gabriel (born 1959),[1] also known as Katsi'tsakwas, is a Mohawk activist and artist[2] from Kanehsatà:ke Nation – Turtle Clan, known for her involvement as the official spokesperson, chosen by the People of the Longhouse,[3] during the Oka Crisis.
She taught art to students in grades 1–6 and created educational videos showcasing the traditional Iroquois legends and local stories of the community of Kanehsata:ke for the school's curriculum.
During this time she was an advocate for Indigenous women's rights, especially in response to policies under the Canadian Indian Act in the form of Bill C-31.
[10] She continued her career as a technical consultant at the Kanehsatà:ke Language and Cultural Center, where she has worked since November 2011.
[10] Her work includes the award-winning documentary When the Pine Needles Fall, which documents the events that started the 78-day standoff between the police and the community during the Oka Crisis in 1990.