Edward Gamblin facts for kids

Edward Gamblin (1948 – 2010) was a Canadian country rock singer and songwriter. He was one of the most important early stars of First Nations music.

Gamblin was born in 1948 in Cross Lake, Manitoba, and was a member of the Cree people. When he was five years old, he was sent to a residential school in Norway House. These schools were places where Indigenous children were sent, often far from their homes and families. He later moved to a residential high school in Portage la Prairie.

At 16, Gamblin left high school and traveled to Winnipeg. He soon returned to Norway House, where he started his first band, Cree Nation, in 1966. In 1970, he married Aurelia Monias, who he had known since childhood. They lived in both Winnipeg and Norway House at different times.

A Musical Journey

Edward Gamblin played with many bands during his career. One of his most well-known bands was Northern Lobo. He was a very talented songwriter and wrote more than 60 original songs. His music often shared stories from his life and his Cree heritage.

Working for Healing and Change

In his later years, Edward Gamblin became a strong voice for healing and reconciliation. This meant helping people recover from the difficult experiences of the residential school system. He wrote a song called "Survivor's Voice." He also worked with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, an organization that helps Indigenous people heal from the impacts of residential schools.

Gamblin also gained attention when he met with Florence Kaefer. She was a teacher at the Norway House school he attended. She had not known about the full extent of the challenges students faced at the school. Their meeting showed how important it was for people to understand the past.

Later Life and Legacy

In 2008, Edward Gamblin had an accident on stage where he cut his ankle. The wound became infected, and sadly, he had to have his leg amputated. His health continued to decline after this. Edward Gamblin passed away on July 27, 2010, in Winnipeg.

His music and his work for healing continue to be an important part of Canadian and First Nations history.

Discography

• Edward Gamblin
• Wild Child
• Don't Blame It on the Rain
• Soldier Blue
• This Can't Go On (1975)
• Greatest Hits (2002)
• Bright Blue Moon (2003)
• Cree Road (2006)