Graydon Nicholas facts for kids

Graydon Nicholas CM ONB (born 1946) is a Canadian lawyer, judge, and politician. He served as the 30th Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick from 2009 to 2014. He was the first Indigenous person to hold this important office. He was also the first Indigenous person to become a provincial court judge in New Brunswick (in 1991). Plus, he was the first Indigenous person in Atlantic Canada to earn a law degree.

Early Life and Education

Graydon Nicholas was born in 1946. He grew up in a Maliseet family on the Tobique First Nations Reserve in New Brunswick.

He went to St. Francis Xavier University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1971, he received a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of New Brunswick. This made him the first First Nations person in Atlantic Canada to get a law degree. He continued his studies and earned a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1974.

Career Highlights

After finishing his education, Graydon Nicholas returned to New Brunswick. He worked for the Union of New Brunswick Indians. He was the chairman of its board from 1976 to 1980. Then, he served as the president from 1980 to 1988.

He was also chosen to lead the Native Studies program at St. Thomas University. There, he taught classes part-time.

In 1991, Nicholas was appointed as a provincial court judge. He worked hard to bring fairness and justice to First Nations people and others. He was especially involved in cases about logging rights. During this time, he also taught theology at the Vancouver School of Theology.

In September 2009, Graydon Nicholas was appointed as the next Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. This decision was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. It was suggested by Premier Shawn Graham and supported by other political parties. He was the first Indigenous person ever named to this important role. He served for five years, taking over from Herménégilde Chiasson on September 30, 2009.

Awards and Honours

Graydon Nicholas has received many awards for his work and contributions:

• New Brunswick Human Rights Award
• Fredericton YMCA Peace Medallion
• Canada 125 Medal
• He was the first person to receive the Golden Jubilee Medal.
• In 2011, he was recognized as one of Wilfrid Laurier University's 100 top alumni.
• He is a member of the Order of New Brunswick.
• He is also a member of the Order of Canada.

See also

• The Canadian Crown and Aboriginal peoples