John James Bird facts for kids
John James Bird was an important Metis leader and politician in Manitoba, Canada. He was born in 1844 and lived until 1933. He helped make decisions for the people of Manitoba as a member of the Legislative Assembly.
Who Was John James Bird?
John James Bird was a Metis person who became a well-known political figure in Manitoba. The Metis are a group of Indigenous people in Canada with mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. John Bird worked to represent his community and make a difference in his province.
His Early Life and Family
John Bird was born in 1844. His parents were Joseph Bird and Elizabeth Thomas, both of whom were Metis. In 1871, John Bird married Mary Peebles. She was a widow. Their son, Frederick V. Bird, later became a doctor and the Mayor of Boissevain, a town in Manitoba.
A Leader in Manitoba Politics
John Bird was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in 1892. He represented the area called Kildonan. He was a member of the Liberal Party. This means he was part of a group that shared similar ideas about how to govern.
As an M.L.A. (Member of the Legislative Assembly), John Bird helped create laws and make important choices for Manitoba. He served in this role until 1895. He tried to be re-elected in 1896 but was not successful.
John Bird also served as a "reeve" for the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews. A reeve is like a mayor for a rural area. This shows he was involved in local government too.
John James Bird passed away on January 2, 1933, in St. Andrews, Manitoba.
