A trailblazing Canadian politician returned to the spotlight thanks to a clue on the hit trivia show Jeopardy!
The mention came during this Wednesday’s episode of the long-running game show, which was airing game three of the 2025 Champions Wildcard semifinal.
A contestant selected the category “Women Through The Years,” and the $600 question highlighted Melanie Mark, the first First Nations woman elected to the BC legislature.
The correct response was British Columbia, which another contestant answered correctly.
Mark is of Nisga’a, Gitxsan, Cree, and Ojibway descent and is a child and youth advocate. She shared the Jeopardy! moment on her Instagram, remarking how the game show has long been one of her favourites.
“Never thought I’d see my name on one of my favourite shows. But it’s true! This clue was on @jeopardy this evening under the category ‘women through the years’- thanks for messaging me David Kirk. Wish my grandparents were alive for this moment. 🧡#PaddleTogether 🛶”
She was first elected to the riding of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant in 2016 as a member of the BC NDP, becoming the first First Nations woman elected as an MLA in the province. After the Fall 2020 election, she also became the first First Nations woman to serve in the cabinet of the provincial government, with her role as the head of tourism.
Mark resigned from her cabinet position in September 2022 for health reasons but remained an MLA. She then stepped down from her position in February 2023, crediting the cut-throat and “dysfunctional” political environment for her decision.
Melanie Mark at BC Place Stadium during the announcement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities in June 2022. (Melanie Mark/Facebook)
Mark’s followers on Instagram shared their joy at seeing the community leader featured on Jeopardy.
“This is so powerful,” shared one commenter.
“You are an inspiration! It’s a privilege to have met you through your work. Thank you for everything,” added another.
One person asked the former Vancouver politician if she had any forewarning from Jeopardy that she would be featured.
“Total shocker,” Mark replied.
It’s not the first time that Canada has been mentioned on Jeopardy. Calgary’s Olympic history and cold temperatures stumped contestants, while Canadians were left screaming at their screens when no one knew the answer to “This Ontario rocker ruled the ’80s with hits like ‘Cuts Like a Knife.’”
Vancouver even got its own “Jeopardy!” category once, but how hard you think the answers were may vary.
With files from Daily Hive staff