Aaron Paquette facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aaron Paquette
Paquette in 2021
Born	1974 (age 50–51) Edmonton, Alberta
Occupation	Writer, artist, and politician
Nationality	Canadian
Genre	fantasy, young adult literature
Notable works	Lightfinder
Spouse	Clarice Anderson
Children	4

Aaron Paquette is a talented Canadian writer, artist, and politician. He works to make his community better. He is currently a member of the Edmonton City Council. This means he helps make important decisions for the city of Edmonton. He was first chosen for the City Council in 2017.

Aaron Paquette won the Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Literature in 2015. He won for his first young adult fantasy novel, Lightfinder. As an artist, he is known for a large public art mural. This mural is at Edmonton's Government Centre station. He also created famous images for the Idle No More movement. You can find his art in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Many schools and public places in Edmonton also have his murals.

He is featured in a documentary called "From the Spirit." Aaron Paquette is Métis. He has Cree (Nehiyaw), Cayuse, and Norwegian family roots.

Helping Communities

Aaron Paquette is the president of Cree8 Success. This company helps people and groups with advice.

In 2012, Cree8 Success held a special conference about education. Many inspiring speakers and artists joined. These included writers like David Bouchard and Richard Wagamese. Comedian Ryan McMahon also took part. The musical group ASANI and other artists shared their talents. Aaron Paquette was also one of the presenters.

Paquette has also made a podcast for Cree8 Success. You can listen to it online.

His Journey in Politics

Aaron Paquette has been involved in politics for several years. He believes in making a difference in his community.

In 2015, he ran for a seat in the Canadian Parliament. He was a candidate for the New Democratic Party. He ran in the area of Edmonton Manning. He did not win that election.

In 2017, Paquette ran for Edmonton City Council. He wanted to represent Ward 4. This area includes Northeast Edmonton, Manning, and Clareview. He won the election against 11 other candidates. He received the most votes in his ward.

In March 2021, Paquette announced he would run again. He wanted to continue serving on the Edmonton City Council. He said he focused on making services better for Edmonton residents. He also worked to stop "ward wars." These are disagreements between city areas over money and support. In the 2021 municipal election, ward names and boundaries changed. Paquette was re-elected in Ward Dene. This ward includes his old Ward 4. He received more than half of the votes in his ward.