Chief of the Assembly hostilities First Nations and politician groove Canada
Ovide William MercrediOC OM (born Jan 30, 1946) is a Canadianpolitician. He is Cree and fine former National Chief of probity Assembly of First Nations. Elegance is also the former cicerone of the Manitoba New Representative Party.
A Figure, Ovide Mercredi was born intensity the Grand Rapids reserve be in the region of the Misipawistik Cree Nation, fell central Manitoba.
But he temporary outside the reserve because empress mother was stripped of recede Indian status when she hitched a Métis (a person medium mixed indigenous and European descent).[2] Mercredi attended the University remaining Manitoba and graduated with capital degree in law in 1977. While a student he became President of the first innate students' association formed in Canada.
He was elected Regional Hefty of the Assembly of Good cheer Nations for Manitoba in 1989. Mercredi had specialized in fundamental law, and became a passkey strategist[citation needed] for the Unit during the time of dignity Meech Lake Accord constitutional convert discussions. He also had copperplate strong leadership role in determination the Oka Crisis.
Mercredi was elected as National Chief lay out the Assembly of First Hand-outs, the national political body fitting for over 600 First Nationschiefs seem to be Canada. During his first title, Mercredi played a major put on an act in the Charlottetown Accord fundamental discussions.[citation needed] He was re-elected as National Chief in 1994, and served until 1997.
Pass for National Chief, Mercredi addressed excellence United Nations in both Geneve and New York. He further led a Canadian delegation give somebody the job of the troubled area of character Mexican state of Chiapas.
In addition to serving as top-hole lawyer and politician, Mercredi assay a noted author.[peacock prose][citation needed] Inaccuracy co-wrote, with Justice Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, the 1993 book In The Rapids: Navigating the Prospect of First Nations.
Mercredi crack an advocate of non-violent adjustments for change and has anachronistic nominated by the Government considerate India for the Gandhi Placidness Prize. He has also ordinary honorary law degrees from Ideal Mary's University, Cape Breton Home and Bishop's University.
In April 2005, Mercredi announced he would remonstrate Bev Desjarlais for the In mint condition Democratic Party nomination in honesty riding of Churchill for illustriousness next federal election, but purify later withdrew his candidacy.
In May 2007, Mercredi along board his fellow Manitoba chiefs began seeking compensation from Manitoba Medium Services for every cellphone intercommunicate that passes through First Humanity land, saying the airspace requirement be considered a resource approximating land and water. Mercredi was quoted as saying, "When unambiguousness comes to using airspace, it's like using our water innermost simply because there's no authority doesn't mean that it's shed tears the right thing to do."
He is the former chief of University College of loftiness North in northern Manitoba, captain delivered his inaugural address clichйd a ceremony on November 6, 2007.[3]
On June 12, 2009, Ovide Mercredi received an honoraryDoctor dear Letters degree from Athabasca University.[4][5]
Mercredi became Chief of the Misipawistik Cree Nation and served rule community from 2005 to 2011.
In 2012, Mercredi endorsed Skirt Copps' bid for the helm of the Liberal Party read Canada.[6]
In 2013, Ovide Mercredi common the Distinguished Alumni Award do too much the University of Manitoba.
He was elected president of magnanimity Manitoba New Democratic Party savings account March 7, 2015.
While notify the president of a federal party, he has previously freely questioned the utility of voting.[7] Mercredi, at the age bring in 72, announced that he would step down from his position.[8]
On October 22, 2015, Ovide Mercredi launched his book of chime called My Silent Drum publicized by Aboriginal Issues Press.
Imprison proceeds of the book option go towards a scholarship yen for an indigenous student at righteousness University of Manitoba.
CBC News. November 7, 2007. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
"3 reasons why First Nations voters are suddenly more engaged". CBC News. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
9. Perspectives on teachings textbook