Nellie Carlson was born into the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. She is a founder and long-time activist with Indian Rights for Indian Women and worked as a counselling elder with Amiskwaciy Academy, NorQuest College, and Prince Charles School. In 1988 Nellie Carlson received a Governor General’s Award in commemoration of the Persons Case to recognize her work to promote the equality of women. She lives in Edmonton.