James Gladstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Gladstone
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Senator Gladstone, c. 1958
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| Senator for Lethbridge, Alberta | |
| In office January 31, 1958 – March 31, 1971 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | May 21, 1887 Mountain Hill, Northwest Territories, Canada |
| Died | September 4, 1971 (aged 84) Fernie, British Columbia, Canada |
| Political party | Independent Conservative |
James Gladstone (also known as Akay-na-muka, meaning "Many Guns") was an important Canadian politician. He was born on May 21, 1887, and passed away on September 4, 1971. He made history as the first Treaty Indian to be appointed to the Senate of Canada. This means he was the first person recognized under a treaty with Indigenous peoples to serve in Canada's upper house of Parliament.
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Growing Up: James Gladstone's Early Life
James Gladstone had a unique background. He was not born as a First Nations person under Canadian law. He became a "Status Indian" at age 33 in 1920. This happened when his wife's family asked the government to add him to the official Indian registry.
He attended an Anglican mission school on the Blood reserve until 1903. Later, he went to an industrial school in Calgary. There, he learned the skill of printing and even worked for The Calgary Herald newspaper.
James Gladstone's Career and Work
After finishing school in 1905, Gladstone went back to the Blood reserve. He worked as an interpreter, helping people communicate between different languages. He also worked on ranches, taking care of cattle.
In 1911, he joined the Royal North-West Mounted Police as a scout and interpreter. He also delivered mail on the reserve. After marrying Janie Healy, a member of the Blood First Nation, he became a registered member of the Blood reserve.
Gladstone became a very successful farmer and rancher. He had a large farm with 720 acres and a herd of 400 Hereford cattle by 1958. He worked with his sons to grow his ranch. He also helped bring modern farming methods to the reserve, like using the first tractor there in 1920.
Leading the Indian Association of Alberta
In 1949, James Gladstone was elected president of the Indian Association of Alberta. He served in this role for many years, from 1945 to 1954. He traveled to Ottawa three times to ask for improvements to the Indian Act. This law affects the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Because he was respected by both Blackfoot and Cree people, he helped bring different Indigenous groups together. They formed one strong political organization to work for their rights.
Becoming a Senator: A Historic Appointment
In January 1958, when he was 70 years old, James Gladstone was appointed to the Senate. The Prime Minister at the time, John Diefenbaker, chose him. This was a very important moment because it happened two years before Status Indians could even vote in federal elections.
Gladstone became the first Treaty Indian to serve in the Senate. He was an "independent Conservative" and represented "160,000 Indians across the land." He strongly believed that Aboriginal peoples should have the right to vote. He also worked to help Indigenous communities become more involved in Canadian society. He was the chairman of the Senate's Standing Committee on Indian Affairs.
Retirement and Passing
James Gladstone retired from the Senate in March 1971. He passed away from a heart attack on September 4, 1971, in Fernie, British Columbia.
Honoring James Gladstone's Legacy
After his death, James Gladstone continued to be recognized for his important work. A book about his life, called The Gentle Persuader, was written by his son-in-law, Hugh Dempsey.
In 2017, the Bank of Canada released a special Canadian ten-dollar note to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. This banknote featured Gladstone's picture alongside other important Canadian figures. This was a great honor for his contributions to Canada.
