Angus McKay (Manitoba politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Angus McKay
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| Member of Parliament for Marquette |
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| In office 2 March 1871 – 8 July 1872 Serving with James S. Lynch
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| Preceded by | new district |
| Succeeded by | Robert Cunningham |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 November 1836 Red River Colony |
| Died | 1 September 1910 (aged 73) Berens River, Manitoba, Canada |
| Political party | Conservative Party |
| Spouses | Virginia Rolette married c. 1870 |
Angus Augustin McKay (born Auguste McKay; 1 November 1836 – 1 September 1910) was a Canadian politician. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He represented the area of Marquette in Manitoba.
McKay was elected on March 2, 1871. This happened during a special election called a by-election. His time in office ended on July 8, 1872. He made history as the first Indigenous Canadian person elected to the House of Commons of Canada.
About Angus McKay
Angus McKay was born in 1836 in the Red River Colony. This was an early settlement in what is now Manitoba. His mother's family was Cree and French Canadian. His father was a Scottish fur trader.
Angus McKay was a Roman Catholic. He felt more connected to his mother's French-speaking background. His brother, James, was also a fur trader.
His Time in Politics
Angus McKay was a Métis person. However, he did not agree with how Louis Riel dealt with the Canadian government. Riel was an important leader for the Métis people. Because of his views, McKay was arrested by Riel in March 1870.
Later that year, McKay was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. He represented the Lake Manitoba area. He was re-elected in 1874. In 1876, McKay stepped down from his role. This allowed his brother James to be elected without opposition.
Also in 1876, Angus McKay became an Indian agent. He worked for the government in areas covered by Treaty No. 4. This included the Qu'Appelle Valley. In 1879, he moved to areas covered by Treaty No. 5 in northern Manitoba.
Indian agents worked for the Department of Indian Affairs. Their job was to help keep good relationships between Canada and Indigenous peoples. McKay often criticized the government. He reported when they did not keep their promises from treaties. He also shared the complaints of Indigenous communities. Despite some disagreements, he served as an Indian agent until 1897.
Family Life
Angus McKay married Virginia Rolette around 1870. He passed away on September 1, 1910. He died in Berens River, Manitoba. He had been unwell after suffering from a stroke. He was buried in St. Boniface, Manitoba.
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Angus McKay, a Canadian politician.
