Biographies

Many and more Aboriginal notables are represented on the Canadian Aboriginal Newspaper site at http://www.ammsa.com/windspeaker/index.htm. Choose the link “People of Honour.”

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Joseph and Josephine Crowshoe

Joseph is keeper of the Siksika (Blackfoot) short thunder medicine bundle. Josephine is the keeper of the Sun Dance medicine bundle. They are the only remaining traditional Piikani Elders of the Nation. They have worked to preserve their culture and bridge the gap between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People of Alberta.

Chester Cunningham

Dr. Chester Cunningham is a humanitarian and educator whose personal convictions about justice and equality have improved the quality of life for Aboriginal Peoples in Alberta, across Canada and around the world. Chester Raymond Cunningham was born in Slave Lake, Alberta in 1933, the third child in a fourth generation Métis family.

Chester Cunningham has received many awards and honours. A few of these include a Queen’s Medal for Achievement, Honorary Chief of the Peigan Tribe, the Aboriginal Achievement Award, the Alberta Achievement Award, a medallion from Prince Charles at Treaty 7 celebrations, and a lifetime membership for the Canadian Native Friendship Centre. The Aboriginal Students Council at the University of Alberta also recognized Dr. Cunningham for his contributions to the Native community and for his influence as a strong role model.

In 1989, Chester Cunningham received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta recognizing his contributions to the correctional system. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1994.

From Kainai Board of Education, Peoples and Cultural Change, Duval House Publishing.

Sharon and Shirly Firth

The Firth twins were born in Aklavik, NWT, but grew up in Inuvik. There they often helped their father with his trap lines. They learned to ski from Father Mouchet a local priest, and discovered they had a natural talent for cross-county skiing. In total, they won a combined 48 Canadian championships.

Chief Dan George

Chief Dan George, a member of the Salish Band, was born in 1899 in British Columbia. His Salish name was Geswanouth Slahoot. Chief Dan George devoted himself to improving the understanding of Aboriginal culture. He worked as a dockworker and logger until he was 60 and was Chief for the Tslieil-Waututh Band from 1951 to 1963. His acting career began at age 59, and in 1970, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the movie “Little Big Man.”

Elijah Harper

Elijah was the first Treaty First Nations person elected in Manitoba as a provincial politician. He served as a member of parliament from 1981 to 1992. Elijah is known for refusing to support the Meech Lake Accord, as it did not guarantee Aboriginal rights. His refusal prevented the Accord from becoming law.

Tomson Highway

Tomson Highway was born in Manitoba. His first language is Cree and he is an esteemed playwright, novelist, and children’s author. Highway holds a Bachelors degree in Music as well as English. He is the recipient of three honorary degrees. In 1994, he received the Order of Canada and in 2000, Maclean’s magazine listed him as one of the top 100 most important people in Canada.

Waneek Horn

Waneek Horn is a member of the Kahnawake Mohawk First Nation located near Montreal, Quebec. She is the daughter of Kahn-tineta Horn, a notable Mohawk activist, teacher, and speaker for First Nations rights.

While in university, Waneek Horn won the title Female Athlete of the Year three times. Her accomplishments include winning a gold medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games and participating as co-captain of the water polo team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She has been a part-time as a Television host for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

Tom Jackson

Tom Jackson was born on the One Arrow Cree Nation reserve in Saskatchewan and grew up in Alberta. He later moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he lived as a homeless person. He became a musical, television, film, and stage performer. He is known for his role in the television series North of 60, and he has been in hundreds of other productions. He began and starred in the cross-Canada Christmas benefit The Huron Carole.