Graydon Nicholas facts for kids

Graydon Nicholas is a very important Canadian leader. He was a lawyer and a judge. He also served as the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. This is a special role that represents the King or Queen in the province. Mr. Nicholas was the 30th person to hold this job, from 2009 to 2014.

He made history as the first Indigenous person to be a Lieutenant Governor. He was also the first Indigenous judge in New Brunswick. And he was the first Indigenous person in Atlantic Canada to get a law degree.

Early Life and Education

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

He went to St. Francis Xavier University and earned a science degree. In 1971, he got his law degree from the University of New Brunswick. He was the first First Nations person in Atlantic Canada to achieve this. Later, in 1974, he also earned a master's degree in social work from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Career Highlights

After finishing his studies, Mr. Nicholas returned to New Brunswick. He worked for the Union of New Brunswick Indians. He was the chairman of their board from 1976 to 1980. Then, he became their president from 1980 to 1988.

He also taught at St. Thomas University. He was chosen to lead the Native Studies program there.

Becoming a Judge

In 1991, Graydon Nicholas became a provincial court judge. He worked hard to bring fairness to First Nations people. He also helped with issues like logging rights. During this time, he also gave lectures on theology.

Lieutenant Governor

In September 2009, Mr. Nicholas was chosen to be the next Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, suggested him for the role. The Premier of New Brunswick, Shawn Graham, also supported this choice.

He was the first Indigenous person ever named to this important position. He served for five years. He took over the role from Herménégilde Chiasson on September 30, 2009.

Awards and Honours

Graydon Nicholas has received many awards for his work. These honours show how much he has contributed to his community and country.

• New Brunswick Human Rights Award
• Fredericton YMCA Peace Medallion
• Canada 125 Medal
• Golden Jubilee Medal (he was the first person to receive this award)
• In 2011, Wilfrid Laurier University recognized him as one of their 100 most successful 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