"Sister Mac" went out from her Winnipeg convent to found a drop-in centre in a depressed area of the city, particularly for Indian and Métis youth. Later, after studying law, she became their learned advocate. This role she backed up in a practical way by founding Rossbrook House, a self-help centre offering recreation, school classes and employment training in place of alcohol, drugs and crime. She has also opened residences to bridge the gap between foster home and independence. Moreover, as a spokesperson on many matters affecting her community, she has consistently defended the rights of the weak and less fortunate, winning the admiration and respect of those with whom she has been associated. In 1978, the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre named her "Native Citizen of the Year", the first non Native person to receive this honor.