Bernard Assiniwi facts for kids

Bernard Assiniwi (who also used the name "Chagnan") was an important writer, researcher, and actor. He was born in Montreal on July 31, 1935, and passed away on September 4, 2000. Bernard Assiniwi had a rich background, being of French-Canadian, Cree, and Algonquin heritage.

He was known for his research into Indigenous history. He also worked as a producer and actor. One of his most famous books is La Saga des Béothuks, which was translated into English as The Beothuk Saga.

About Bernard Assiniwi

Bernard Assiniwi was born in 1935 and lived until 2000. His mother was Églantine Bleau, and his father was Joseph-Leonidas Zephirin Lapierre. His family had roots in Algonquin, Cree, and Quebecois cultures.

As a child, Bernard spoke Cree. However, he went to school where French was the main language. He later studied at the University of Guelph. There, he earned a degree in animal science.

His Career Journey

Bernard Assiniwi had many different jobs throughout his life. From 1965 to 1968, he helped start the cultural section of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. This department works with Indigenous peoples in Canada.

He also appeared in several films. In 1965, he was in "La vie heureuse de Léopold Z". Later, he acted in "Les smattes" (1972) and "Les forges de Saint-Maurice" (1973).

Bernard Assiniwi also worked as a curator. He managed the Easter Subarctic Cultural area at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. He held this position until he passed away in 2000.

His Impact as a Writer

Starting in 1968, Bernard Assiniwi published more than 30 books. He also wrote articles for journals. He created and produced works for radio, theater, and film.

He is seen as a very important writer in Canadian literature. He shared Indigenous perspectives in French-Canadian writing. His work helped open doors for other Indigenous authors.

In 1971, he wrote Anish-nah-be: Contes adultes du pays algonkin. This was one of the first books by an Indigenous author written in French that was widely read in Québec. For this book, he received a special mention from the Prix littéraire de la Ville de Montréal.

From 1972 to 1976, Assiniwi worked as a director for Leméac, a publishing company. In 1999, the University of Québec and Trois-Rivières gave him an honorary doctorate. This award recognized his important contributions to literature.

Bernard Assiniwi was married to Marina Assiniwi. They had three sons: Marc-André, Christian, and Jean-Yves. He passed away at the age of 65.

In 2001, an award was created in his honor. It is called the Prix Dr. Bernard-Chagnan-Assiniwi. This award celebrates Indigenous artists and creators. It is given to those whose work helps their original culture.

Awards and Recognition

Bernard Assiniwi received several awards for his writing. In 1997, he won the Jean-Hamelin literature prize. This award is for French and Quebecois authors.

In the same year, he was also considered for the Governor General's Awards. This is one of Canada's most important literary prizes. His screenplay, Pre-Recruit Training Camp (1993), won a Bronze Plaque. This was for best screenplay at the 41st Columbus Film Festival.

His Published Books

Bernard Assiniwi wrote many books. Here are some of them: