List of First Nations people facts for kids

First Nations people are the original inhabitants of Canada. They have a rich history and culture that spans thousands of years. Many amazing First Nations individuals have made huge contributions to Canada and the world. They have excelled in many areas, like sports, arts, leadership, and science.

This list celebrates some of these inspiring people. They show the strength, talent, and spirit of First Nations communities across Canada.

Celebrating First Nations Heroes and Leaders

First Nations people have achieved greatness in many fields. From sports to science, and from art to politics, their contributions have shaped Canada.

Trailblazers in Sports

Many First Nations athletes have become champions and role models.

• Tom Longboat (1887–1949) was an Onondaga distance runner. He was one of the world's best long-distance runners in the early 1900s. He won the Boston Marathon in 1907.
• Reggie Leach (born 1950) is an Ojibwe ice hockey player. He was a powerful goal scorer in the NHL. He won the Stanley Cup with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1975.
• Alwyn Morris (born 1957) is a Mohawk athlete. He won a gold and a bronze medal in canoeing at the 1984 Olympic Games.
• Carey Price (born 1987) is a Ulkatcho First Nation ice hockey goalie. He is one of the best goalies in the NHL. He has won many awards for his outstanding play.
• Tommy Prince (1915–1977) was an Ojibwe war hero. He was one of Canada's most decorated Indigenous soldiers. He served bravely in World War II and the Korean War.

Stars of Stage and Screen

First Nations actors and artists have brought their unique stories and talents to audiences worldwide.

• Dan George (1899–1981) was a Tsleil-Waututh chief and actor. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film Little Big Man.
• Jay Silverheels (1912–1980) was a Mohawk actor. He is best known for playing Tonto, the Lone Ranger's companion, on television.
• Graham Greene (born 1952) is an Oneida actor. He has appeared in many films and TV shows. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Dances with Wolves.
• Tantoo Cardinal (born 1950) is a Cree and Métis actress. She has had a long and successful career in film and television. She is known for her powerful performances.
• Adam Beach (born 1972) is an Anishinaabe actor. He has starred in many Hollywood movies and TV series.
• Kaniehtiio Horn (born 1986) is a Mohawk actress. She is known for her roles in various TV shows and films.

Leaders and Advocates

Many First Nations individuals have become important leaders and advocates for their communities.

• Joseph Brant (1742–1807) was a Mohawk leader. He played a key role in the American Revolutionary War. He worked to protect Mohawk lands and culture.
• Big Bear (c. 1825–1888) was a Cree chief. He was known for his efforts to negotiate for his people's rights during a time of great change.
• Harold Cardinal (1945–2005) was a Cree writer and political leader. He was a strong voice for Indigenous rights in Canada. He wrote the influential book The Unjust Society.
• Phil Fontaine (born 1944) is an Ojibwe leader. He served as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He played a major role in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
• Perry Bellegarde (born 1962) is a Little Black Bear First Nation leader. He also served as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He worked to advance the rights and interests of First Nations people.
• Wab Kinew (born 1981) is an Ojibwe musician, broadcaster, and politician. He became the first First Nations premier of Manitoba in 2023.

Artists and Creators

First Nations artists have enriched Canadian culture with their unique perspectives and talents.

• Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007) was an Anishinaabe artist. He was a pioneer of the Woodland School of art. His vibrant paintings tell stories of Anishinaabe culture and spirituality.
• Daphne Odjig (1919–2016) was an Anishinaabe artist. She was a founding member of the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc., also known as the "Indian Group of Seven."
• Bill Reid (1920–1998) was a Haida artist. He was a master carver and sculptor. His work helped to revive Haida art forms.
• Tomson Highway (born 1951) is a Cree playwright and novelist. He is known for his plays that explore Cree culture and contemporary issues.
• Robbie Robertson (1943–2023) was a Mohawk musician and songwriter. He was a member of the legendary rock band The Band. He also had a successful solo career.
• Jeremy Dutcher (born 1990) is a Wolastoqiyik musician. He is known for his unique blend of traditional Wolastoqiyik songs with classical and electronic music. He won the Polaris Music Prize in 2018.

Pioneers in Health and Science

First Nations individuals have also made important breakthroughs in health and science.

• Oronhyatekha (1841–1907) was a Mohawk medical doctor. He was one of the first Indigenous people to become a medical doctor in Canada.
• Nadine Caron (born 1970) is a Wet'suwet'en general surgeon. She is the first female First Nations Canadian general surgeon. She is also a professor and researcher.

See also

• Aboriginal Canadian personalities
• List of Canadian Inuit
• List of First Nations leaders
• List of Métis people