Alexander Kennedy Isbister facts for kids
Alexander Kennedy Isbister (born June 1822 – died May 28, 1883) was an important person from what is now Saskatchewan, Canada. He started his career working for the HBC. Later, he became a lawyer and wrote many school books.
Isbister was a Métis person, meaning he had both Indigenous and European heritage. He went to school in Orkney, Scotland, and at the Red River Colony in Canada. His first job with the Hudson's Bay Company was at Fort Simpson in the Mackenzie River District. He helped another explorer, John Bell, set up Fort McPherson on the Peel River. During this time, he explored the Mackenzie River area. He later used what he learned to write important geological papers and create the first chromolithograph map of the region.
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A Champion for Métis Rights
In 1842, Alexander Isbister moved to Britain. There, he worked as an educator and a lawyer. He became a strong supporter of Métis rights. He felt very strongly about this because of unfair treatment he experienced while working for the Hudson's Bay Company.
Isbister's Career in Education
Alexander Isbister had a long and successful career in education. In 1849, he became the second master at Islington Proprietary School in London. From 1850 to 1855, he was the master there. He then became the headmaster of the Jews' College in Finsbury Square from 1855 to 1858. After that, he was the Master of the Stationers' Company's School from 1858 until 1882.
Contributions to Educational Development
In 1861, the Royal College of Preceptors, also known as the College of Teachers, started its official magazine called The Educational Times. Isbister was chosen to be its editor and held this job for many years. In 1873, he was elected as the College's dean. This was partly because he had a careful and scholarly way of thinking about how education should grow. He remained the dean until he passed away at his home in Milner Square, Islington.
Isbister's Lasting Legacy
Today, Alexander Kennedy Isbister is remembered through an award. The Alexander Kennedy Isbister Award for Non-fiction writing is given out every year by the Manitoba Book Awards.
