Ovide Mercredi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ovide Mercredi
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| President of the Manitoba New Democratic Party |
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| In office February 7, 2015 – March 18, 2017 |
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| Leader |
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| Preceded by | Ellen Olfert |
| Succeeded by | David Woodbury |
| National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations |
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| In office 1991–1997 |
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| Preceded by | Georges Erasmus |
| Succeeded by | Phil Fontaine |
| Chief of the Misipawistik Cree Nation | |
| In office 2005–2011 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ovide William Mercredi
January 30, 1946 Grand Rapids, Manitoba, Canada |
| Political party | New Democratic |
| Spouse | Beryle Taylor (d. 2004) |
| Residences | Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| Alma mater | University of Manitoba |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Ovide William Mercredi (born January 30, 1946) is an important Canadian leader. He is from the Cree First Nation. He used to be the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, which represents many Indigenous communities across Canada. He also led the Manitoba New Democratic Party as its president.
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Ovide Mercredi's Early Life and Career
Ovide Mercredi was born into the Misipawistik Cree Nation in central Manitoba. However, he grew up outside the reserve. This was because his mother lost her "Indian status" when she married a Métis person. Métis people are those with mixed Indigenous and European heritage.
Mercredi studied at the University of Manitoba. He earned a law degree in 1977. While he was a student, he became the first president of a student group for Indigenous students in Canada.
Becoming a Leader for First Nations
In 1989, Mercredi was chosen as the Regional Chief for Manitoba in the Assembly of First Nations. This group works for the rights of First Nations across Canada. He was very skilled in constitutional law, which deals with the main laws of a country. This made him a key advisor during important talks about Canada's constitution. He also helped to solve the Oka Crisis, a difficult standoff involving Indigenous land rights.
Mercredi was later elected as the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. This is the top leader for over 600 First Nations communities in Canada. During his first time as National Chief, he played a big part in talks about the Charlottetown Accord. This was another attempt to change Canada's constitution.
He was re-elected as National Chief in 1994 and served until 1997. As National Chief, Mercredi spoke at the United Nations in both Geneva and New York. He also led a Canadian group to Chiapas, a state in Mexico facing challenges.
Author and Advocate for Peace
Besides being a lawyer and politician, Mercredi is also a writer. He co-wrote a book in 1993 called In The Rapids: Navigating the Future of First Nations. He wrote it with Justice Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond.
Mercredi believes in using peaceful ways to make changes. The Government of India even nominated him for the Gandhi Peace Prize. He has also received special honorary law degrees from several universities. These include Saint Mary's University, Cape Breton University, and Bishop's University.
Ovide Mercredi's Career After National Chiefship
In 2005, Mercredi became the Chief of the Misipawistik Cree Nation. He served his community in this role until 2011.
He also served as the former chancellor of University College of the North. This is a university in northern Manitoba. He gave his first speech there in November 2007.
In 2009, Ovide Mercredi received another special degree. It was an honorary Doctor of Letters from Athabasca University.
In 2013, the University of Manitoba gave him the Distinguished Alumni Award. This award recognizes former students who have achieved great things.
Political Roles and Recent Work
On March 7, 2015, he was elected president of the Manitoba New Democratic Party. This is a political party in Manitoba. He stepped down from this position at the age of 72.
In October 2015, Ovide Mercredi released a book of his poetry called My Silent Drum. The money from this book helps fund a scholarship for an Indigenous student at the University of Manitoba.
See also
- Aboriginal Canadian personalities
