Jacqueline Shumiatcher

Jacqueline Fanchette Clotilde Clay Shumiatcher, (April 29, 1923 – February 1, 2021) was a Canadian philanthropist, arts patron, and art collector. She and her husband Morris C. Shumiatcher began supporting the arts community in Regina, Saskatchewan, shortly after their marriage in 1955, an endeavor which she continued since Morris' death in 2004. The couple were avid collectors of Inuit art and artwork by local artists. In 2014 she donated 1,310 Inuit sculptures and paintings by the Regina Five, worth an estimated C$3 million, to the University of Regina. She received many honours and awards, including the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2001 and the Order of Canada in 2017.

Early life and family

Jacqueline Fanchette Clotilde Clay was born on April 29, 1923, in Vendin-le-Vieil, Pas de Calais, France. She has a younger brother.

In 1947 she applied for a job as secretary to Morris C. Shumiatcher, Q.C., legal counsel to Premier of Saskatchewan Tommy Douglas. Since her husband's death in 2004, Shumiatcher continued to make donations in both their names.

Among the Shumiatchers' endowments are:

The Shumiatcher Open Stage at the University of Regina, also known as the Shu-Box, a teaching theatre with expandable seating from 134 to 162 The Jacqui Shumiatcher Room at the Conexus Arts Centre and the Shumiatcher Theatre, both at the MacKenzie Art Gallery

Beneficiaries of the Shumiatchers' philanthropy include: the Regina Symphony Orchestra, the Globe Theatre, the Regina Little Theatre, the University of Regina theatre and music departments, the Saskatchewan Federated Indian College, the Regina Council of Women, and the Women's Business and Professional Club.

Memberships and affiliations Shumiatcher was a past chair of the National Conference of Canadian Clubs and the legal committee of the Regina Council of Women. She was a past president of the Women's Canadian Club of Regina, the Regina Musical Club, and the Regina Film Club.

She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Regina in 2002.

Personal life

She and her husband, Morris C. Shumiatcher (1917–2004), were childless. Morris was also awarded the Order of Canada in 1981 and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 1997.