Biography

Wilma Pelly (March 5, 1937 – December 28, 2020) was an indigenous Canadian film and television actress, best known for her roles as Elsie Tsa'Che in the CBC Television drama North of 60 and as Kookum in Mixed Blessings. Born Wilma Episkenew, she was a member of the Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation. She met her husband James Edward Pelly in the 1950s, and moved with him to Calgary, Alberta. Pelly worked in factories until launching her acting career. While recovering from a workplace injury in the late 1980s, she answered a casting call for film extras.