Oscar Lathlin facts for kids

Oscar Lathlin was an important politician from Manitoba, Canada. He was born on May 20, 1947, and passed away on November 1, 2008. He served as a cabinet minister in the government led by Gary Doer. A cabinet minister is a leader chosen by the premier to be in charge of a specific government department. Oscar Lathlin was part of the New Democratic Party.

About Oscar Lathlin

Early Life and Education

Oscar Lathlin grew up in northern Manitoba. He was born and raised at the Opaskwayak Cree Nation near The Pas. He went to high school at Frontier Collegiate in Cranberry Portage. He finished high school in 1969. Later, he also studied at Brandon University.

Community Leadership

After his studies, Oscar Lathlin returned to his home community. He worked as a manager for The Pas Band. In 1979, he became the executive director of the Swampy Cree Tribal Council. This group helps several Cree First Nations communities. In 1985, he was elected as the chief of The Pas Band. A chief is the main leader of a First Nation community.

He also helped with a program for training Indigenous teachers. He served on different committees for the Assembly of First Nations. This assembly works to protect the rights and interests of First Nations people in Canada. Oscar Lathlin also advised the Canadian government on many topics.

Political Career in Manitoba

In 1990, Oscar Lathlin decided to enter provincial politics. He ran in the 1990 Manitoba general election. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for the area called The Pas. This area is also known as a riding or electoral district. It is the specific geographic area that a politician represents. He narrowly won against Alfred McDonald.

He was re-elected in the 1995 Manitoba general election. This time, he won by a larger number of votes. During these years, his party, the New Democratic Party, was not in power. Oscar Lathlin worked as an opposition MLA. An MLA is a Member of the Legislative Assembly. As an opposition MLA, he spoke out on issues like Indigenous affairs and community economic development.

Becoming a Cabinet Minister

In the 1999 Manitoba general election, the New Democratic Party won the election. Oscar Lathlin was re-elected, though by a small margin. After the election, he was chosen to be a cabinet minister. He first became the Manitoba Minister of Conservation. This role involved protecting Manitoba's natural environment.

In 2002, he took on a new role. He became the Manitoba Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. This job focused on issues important to Indigenous people and northern communities. He also oversaw the Communities Economic Development Fund. This fund helps create jobs and businesses in communities.

Oscar Lathlin was easily re-elected in the provincial elections of 2003 and 2007.

His Passing and Legacy

Oscar Lathlin passed away on November 1, 2008. He was at his cabin near The Pas, Manitoba.

After his passing, a by-election was held. A by-election is a special election held to fill a vacant political seat. Frank Whitehead won this by-election in 2009. Later, Oscar Lathlin's daughter, Amanda Lathlin, also became an MLA for The Pas. She won a by-election in 2014 after Frank Whitehead resigned.