Constant Awashish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Constant Awashish
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Awashish in 2016
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| Born | 1981 (age 43–44) La Tuque, Quebec
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| Occupation | Grand Chief of the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw |
| Years active | 2014-present |
Constant Awashish was born in 1981 in La Tuque, Quebec. He is an important leader of the Atikamekw people. Since 2014, he has been the Grand Chief of the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw. This group brings together the three Atikamekw Nations. He is known for declaring that the Atikamekw Nation has special rights over their traditional land. This land is called the Nitaskinan. He did this with other Atikamekw leaders.
Constant Awashish's Life Story
Constant Awashish was born in La Tuque, Quebec, in 1981. His grandparents raised him mostly on the Opitciwan reserve. This reserve is in the northern Mauricie region of Quebec. He went to elementary and high school in La Tuque.
He studied law at the University of Ottawa. He learned about the rights of Indigenous people. He also studied their land rights and laws for Indigenous groups.
Becoming Grand Chief
On September 2, 2014, Constant Awashish was elected Grand Chief. He became the leader of the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw. This council unites the three Atikamekw Nations. He took over from Eva Ottawa. As Grand Chief, he also leads the corporation of the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw.
Protecting Atikamekw Land
A few days after his election, the Atikamekw chiefs made an important declaration. They announced their special rights over their traditional land. This land is called the Nitaskinan. It covers a large area of 80,000 square kilometers (30,000 sq. mi.). This territory is located north of Trois-Rivières. The Atikamekw people never gave up or sold their land. This was even during times when other treaties were made.
