Notable Métis, Inuit, and First Nations Figures

Cuthbert Grant was a prominent Métis leader, fur trader, and founder of the Métis nation. Born around 1793 in Fort de la Rivière Tremblante, Saskatchewan, he was the son of a Scottish North West Company (NWC) partner and a Métis woman. His early life was marked by education in Montreal, under the guardianship of William McGillivray, after his father’s death. 

Grant began his career with the NWC around 1810, quickly becoming involved in the escalating fur trade conflict known as the Pemmican War. This conflict was fueled by the Hudson’s Bay Company’s (HBC) Pemmican Proclamation, which forbade the export of pemmican from the Red River Colony, affecting the Métis and NWC traders. 

In 1816, Grant led the Métis in the Battle of Seven Oaks against the HBC, a pivotal event where Robert Semple and 20 colonists were killed. This victory solidified Grant’s leadership among the Métis. Following the merger of the NWC and HBC in 1821, Grant was appointed by the new governor, Sir George Simpson, to lead a Métis settlement known as Grantown, later renamed St. François Xavier, Manitoba. 

Grant’s contributions extended beyond military leadership; he was instrumental in the agricultural development of the region, constructing the first watermill on Sturgeon Creek in 1829. Despite challenges with spring floods, he persevered and eventually built a successful windmill in Grantown. 

Cuthbert Grant’s legacy is multifaceted—he was a warrior, community leader, and pioneer in agriculture. He passed away on July 15, 1854, and his impact on the Métis community and Canadian history remains significant. 

Louis Riel, born on October 22, 1844, in Saint-Boniface, Red River Settlement, is a towering figure in the history of the Métis nation. As a political leader and founder of Manitoba, he championed the rights and culture of the Métis people during a period of rapid change and expansion in Canada. 

Educated in Montréal, Riel was initially poised for a clerical life, but his path took a dramatic turn upon returning to Red River. He emerged as a leader during the Red River Resistance of 1869-1870, where he established a provisional government to negotiate with the Canadian government for the rights of his people. This led to the creation of Manitoba, with Riel playing a central role in bringing the province into the Canadian Confederation. 

Riel’s leadership was marked by controversy, notably the execution of Thomas Scott, which forced him into exile in the United States. Despite this, he was elected to the House of Commons three times, though he never took his seat due to the threat to his life. 

In 1884, Riel returned to Canada at the behest of Métis leaders in Saskatchewan to address grievances with the Canadian government. This culminated in the North-West Rebellion of 1885. After the defeat at the Battle of Batoche, Riel was captured, tried, and convicted of high treason. Despite widespread calls for clemency, he was executed by hanging on November 16, 1885. 

Riel’s execution had profound and lasting effects on Canada, deepening the divide along ethno-religious lines. He is remembered as a martyr by many, particularly in the French-Canadian and Métis communities. His legacy continues to evoke debate, with many considering him as a heroic figure who fought valiantly for Métis rights against an encroaching government. 

The Métis Famous Five were a group of influential Métis leaders in Alberta, Canada, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and welfare of the Métis community during the early 20th century. The group consisted of Felix Calliou, Joseph Dion, Jim Brady, Malcolm Norris, and Peter Tomkins. They were instrumental in the formation of the Métis Association of Alberta in 1932, with a mission to improve socio-economic conditions and secure land rights for the Métis people. 

Their relentless efforts led to the Ewing Commission’s report in 1936, which recognized the dire situation of the Métis population. As a result of their advocacy, the Alberta government passed the Métis Population Betterment Act in 1938, the first legislation in Canada specifically aimed at addressing the needs of the Métis. This act resulted in the establishment of land settlements for the Métis, which are known today as the Métis Settlements. 

The Famous Five’s activism was rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by their community, including poverty, land dispossession, and lack of recognition. They worked tirelessly to ensure that the Métis had a voice in the political landscape of Alberta and that their rights were acknowledged and protected. The Métis Famous Five are remembered not only for their achievements in securing legislation but also for their role in fostering a sense of identity and pride among the Métis people. 

Steve Powley is a significant figure in Canadian legal history, particularly concerning Métis rights. In 1993, Steve Powley and his son Roddy Powley were charged with illegal hunting after killing a moose near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, without a provincial license. The Powleys argued that their actions were protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which affirms the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. 

The case, R. v. Powley, became a landmark legal battle for Métis rights. The Powleys contended that as Métis, they had an inherent right to hunt for food, a practice integral to their culture and survival. Their case eventually reached the Supreme Court of Canada, which, in a historic 2003 ruling, upheld their right to hunt, acknowledging the Métis as a distinct Aboriginal people with rights protected by the Constitution. 

This decision led to the establishment of the “Powley Test,” a set of criteria used to determine who qualifies for Métis rights. The test includes requirements such as Métis ancestry, self-identification as Métis, and acceptance by the Métis community. The Powley case has had a profound impact on the recognition and affirmation of Métis rights in Canada, setting a precedent for future cases involving Métis hunting, fishing rights, and self-government. 

Jean Teillet is an influential Métis lawyer and pivotal figure in advocating for the rights of Métis and First Nations people. Born in 1953 in St. Vital, Winnipeg, she pursued her legal education at York University and the University of Toronto, earning both her LL.B and LL.M. 

Teillet’s legal career is marked by her specialization in Métis and First Nations land rights. She played a foundational role in the Métis Nation of Ontario and was instrumental in the landmark case R v Powley, which affirmed the constitutional protection of Métis harvesting rights. Her contributions extend beyond the courtroom; she authored “The North-West Is Our Mother: The Story of Louis Riel’s People, the Métis Nation,” a historical account that garnered the Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award. 

Retiring from legal practice in January 2024, Teillet’s legacy as Counsel Emeritus at Pape Salter Teillet LLP remains significant. Her work has influenced policy, particularly in the realm of Indigenous identity fraud, prompting institutions to establish verification policies. Her voice has been critical in discussions about Indigenous identity claims within political spheres. 

Teillet’s personal life is intertwined with her professional endeavors. As the great-grandniece of Louis Riel, she carries a legacy that informs her advocacy and scholarship. A frequent author and lecturer, Teillet’s insights on access to justice, Indigenous rights, identity, and history have resonated internationally. Her annual publication, “Métis Law in Canada,” is a principal resource on Métis rights and case law, showcasing her commitment to educating and empowering Indigenous communities and legal professionals alike. 

Kenojuak Ashevak (1927-2013), born in Ikerrasak camp, South Baffin Island, was an Inuk artist recognized as a modern Inuit art and culture leader. Ashevak's work evolved and became highly stylized over several decades, creating iconic works such as "The Enchanted Owl" that capture her lived experience.

Abraham Ulrikab, born in 1845, was a fisherman, hunter, husband and father of two daughters. Ulrikab, facing difficulty providing for his family, agreed to be one of eight Labradormiut to travel to Europe as part of Carl Hagenbeck's human zoo. In 1881, Ulrikab contracted smallpox and died in Paris, France. 

Murray Sinclair, also known as Mizanay (Mizhana) Gheezhik, has made significant contributions for Indigenous peoples in Canada. Born in 1951 in Selkirk, Manitoba, Sinclair’s journey reflects resilience, advocacy, and transformative leadership. 

Sinclair was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1980, focusing on Indigenous law and human rights. In 1988, he became Manitoba’s first and Canada’s second Indigenous judge at the age of 37. His expertise bridged Canadian legal systems and traditional teachings, earning respect in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. 

In response to a 2007 settlement that was reached between Christian Churches, the federal government, and survivors of Canada’s residential schools, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established. The TRC documented the history of residential schools, exposing systemic abuses to promote healing and reconciliation.  

From 2009 to 2015, Sinclair chaired the TRC and was instrumental in pressuring the federal government to provide archival records pertaining to residential school survivors’ stories. Sinclair’s leadership led to 94 calls to action for reconciliation between Canada and Indigenous peoples. 

Following his work in the Truth and Reconcilliation Comission, Sinclair was appointed as Manitoba’s senator in the 2016 Parliament. As senator, Sinclair continued advocating for Indigenous rights. He also mentored Indigenous lawyers, fostering future human rights leaders. Sinclair’s commitment to healing and justice remains unwavering. Having won numerous accolades such as eight honorary doctorates and the prestigious Symons Medal, Murray Sinclair’s legacy lies in his tireless pursuit of truth, reconciliation, and empowerment for First Nations communities.  

Phil Fontaine, a prominent First Nations leader, has made significant contributions to the well-being and rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Born on September 20, 1944, in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba, Fontaine’s mission has always been to amplify Indigenous voices, seek justice, and promote healing within First Nations communities. His passion for politics and social justice stemmed from experiences such as his mother becoming the first Indigenous woman to be elected to a band council and his experiences at Fort Alexander Indian Residential School. 

Early in his political career, Fontaine was a youth activist and held positions such as the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. He courageously spoke out about the physical, psychological, and sexual abuse he endured while attending residential schools. 

His openness inspired other survivors to share their experiences, leading to a broader public awareness of the systemic harm caused by the residential school system. 

Fontaine’s advocacy also played a pivotal role in the healing process and reconciliation efforts between Indigenous communities and the Canadian government 

In 1997, Fontaine served as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). He would then hold the position for an unprecedented three terms during 1997-2009. Under his leadership, the AFN negotiated critical agreements, including the Kelowna Accord and the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement aimed to address the historical injustices and abuses suffered by Indigenous children in residential schools. 

Fontaine likewise brought Canada’s Indigenous issues to the global stage. He facilitated the signing of the Declaration of Kinship and Cooperation of the Indigenous and First Nations of North America, uniting First Nations across the continent. Through his lobbying efforts, Fontaine was also instrumental in the 2007 adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.  

Fontaine is the recipient of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award and the Order of Canada, among others. His commitment to justice, reconciliation, and self-determination continues to inspire generations of Indigenous leaders and advocates. 

Jay Silverheels (1912-1980) from Six Nations of the Grand River was a Mohawk athlete and actor. Silverheels excelled in Lacrosse and was among the first players chosen for the Toronto Tecumsehs. After starring in The Lone Ranger, Silverheels worked to improve the portrayal and representation of Indigenous people in media.

Catherine Sutton, Nahneebahwequa or "Nahnee" (1824-1865), was a Mississauga writer, Methodist missionary and political advocate for numerous Indigenous peoples' rights eroded by Canadian assimilationist policies. She advised bands about their political and legal rights and created written documentation of her people's grievances and struggles. Her work endures as a proud Ojibwe "Upright Woman."