Edward John facts for kids

Edward John was born on July 8, 1949. He is an important First Nations leader in Canada. He has worked hard to help Indigenous communities and their rights.

Early Life and Education

Edward John was born in a village called Tachie. This village is part of the Carrier people's land. It is located near Stuart Lake in British Columbia. He holds a special name, 'Ukailch'oh, within his Lusilyoo clan.

He went to several schools, including Lejac Residential School. He later earned a degree in sociology from the University of Victoria in 1974. In 1979, he received a law degree from the University of British Columbia. He worked as a lawyer in Prince George, British Columbia, for many years. In 2004, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. This special award recognized his important work.

Working for His Community

Edward John has been a leader for his home community, the Tl'azt'en Nation.

• He served as an elected Councillor from 1974 to 1990.
• He was then elected Chief of Tl'azt'en Nation from 1990 to 1992.
• In 2024, he was again elected Chief of Tl'azt'en Nation.

He also led the Carrier-Sekani Tribal Council as Chief from 1984 to 1988. He helped negotiate treaties for the Carrier-Sekani Tribal Council. These negotiations are important talks between First Nations, Canada, and British Columbia. He is also involved in companies owned by Tl'azt'en Nation. Because of his service, he was given the title of Grand Chief of Tl'azt'en Nation.

Edward John speaks the Carrier language very well. He helped start the Yinka Dene Language Institute. This group works to keep the Carrier language alive. He also played a big part in creating the University of Northern British Columbia.

National and International Work

Edward John has worked on important issues across Canada and around the world.

• From 1983 to 1987, he represented First Nations at meetings about Indigenous rights.
• In 1991, he helped create the First Nations Summit. This group represents First Nations in British Columbia during treaty talks.
• He was a member of the First Nations Summit's political executive for many years.

He also served as a provincial cabinet minister. From November 2000 to June 2001, he was the Minister for Children and Families in British Columbia. In 2015, he became a special advisor on Aboriginal Child Welfare.

Edward John has also been active with the Assembly of First Nations. This is a national organization that represents First Nations people in Canada. He represented them at an Indigenous Peoples' Summit in Argentina. He also served on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. This group works on issues important to Indigenous people worldwide. He was even the Chair of this forum in 2012.

Awards and Recognition

Edward John has received several awards for his dedication and leadership.

• In 2012, he received an Indspire Award for his work in politics.
• He also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Victoria in 2012.
• In 2018, he received the Alumni Award of Distinction from the University of British Columbia School of Law.

Electoral Results