Howard Adams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Howard Adams
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| Born | September 8, 1921 St. Louis, Saskatchewan |
| Died | September 8, 2001 (aged 80) Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Citizenship | Canada |
| Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley |
| Notable awards | National Aboriginal Achievement Award |
Howard Adams (September 8, 1921 – September 8, 2001) was an important Métis scholar and activist. He worked hard to improve life for Indigenous people in Canada.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Howard Adams was born on September 8, 1921, in St. Louis, Saskatchewan, Canada. His mother, Olive Elizabeth McDougall, was French Métis. His father, William Robert Adams, was English Métis, also known as Anglo-Metis.
When he was young, Howard Adams briefly joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He later went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1966, he made history by becoming the first Métis person in Canada to earn a PhD degree.
Activism and Influence
After finishing his studies, Adams returned to Canada. He became a well-known Métis activist. An activist is someone who works to bring about social or political change. Howard Adams regularly wrote for newspapers and magazines. He also appeared on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation radio shows to share his ideas.
In 1969, he was chosen to be the president of the Metis Association of Saskatchewan. He was inspired by thinkers like Malcolm X, whom he heard speak at Berkeley. The exciting and sometimes rebellious atmosphere of the 1960s at the university also shaped his views.
Howard Adams had a special family connection to Canadian history. He was the great-grandson of Maxime Lepine. Maxime Lepine was a close helper to Louis Riel during the North-West Rebellion of 1885.
Later Life and Legacy
Howard Adams passed away in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 8, 2001. This was also his 80th birthday. His work continues to be important for understanding Métis history and rights in Canada.
Written Works
Howard Adams wrote several books that shared his views on Canadian history and Indigenous experiences:
- The Education of Canadians 1800-1867: The Roots of Separatism, Harvest House, 1968
- Prison of Grass: Canada from a Native Point of View New Press, 1975, ISBN: 9780887702112; Fifth House, 1989, ISBN: 9780920079515
- Tortured People: The Politics of Colonization Theytus Books Ltd., 1999, ISBN: 9780919441378
Honours and Awards
In 1999, Howard Adams received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for his contributions to education. This award is now known as the Indspire Awards.
See also
