Phil Fontaine facts for kids

Larry Phillip Fontaine is an important Indigenous leader from Canada. He was born on September 20, 1944. He is best known for being the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. This is a group that represents many First Nations communities across Canada.

Mr. Fontaine played a big part in telling people about the Canadian Indian residential schools. These schools caused a lot of harm to Indigenous children. He worked hard to get apologies from the Canadian government in 2008 and from the Pope in 2022. He also helped get the Pope to reject an old idea called the Discovery doctrine in 2023.

Early Life and Education

Growing Up in Manitoba

Phil Fontaine is a member of the Ojibwe nation. He was born on September 20, 1944. His birthplace was the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. This community is about 150 kilometers north of Winnipeg.

He grew up in a large family with twelve children. His first language was Ojibway.

Attending Residential Schools

When he was young, Phil Fontaine went to a residential school in Sagkeeng. These schools were run by the government and churches. Many Indigenous children were forced to attend them. He also went to another residential school in Winnipeg. He finished high school in 1961.

Early Leadership Roles

In 1973, the people of Sagkeeng elected Phil Fontaine as their Chief. He served for two terms. After that, he and his family moved to the Yukon. There, he worked for the Canadian government.

A Career in Politics

Studying and Starting Out

Phil Fontaine went to the University of Manitoba. In 1981, he earned a degree in political studies. After university, he became a special advisor for a group called the Southeast Resource Development Council. Later, he was elected as Manitoba’s vice-chief for the Assembly of First Nations. He also helped lead the opposition against the Meech Lake Accord, a proposed change to Canada's constitution.

Bringing Residential Schools to Light

In 1990, Phil Fontaine bravely spoke out about the abuse he and others faced at residential schools. This was a very important moment. It helped bring the issue of residential schools to national attention. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission later recognized his courage.

In 1991, he was elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. He served in this role for three terms.

National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations

In 1997, Phil Fontaine was elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for the first time. After his first term, he worked for the Indian Claims Commission. This group helps resolve land claims for Indigenous communities. During his time there, a large land claim for the Kahkewistahaw First Nation was settled.

He ran for National Chief again in 2003 and was elected. He was re-elected in 2006. During his time as National Chief, he worked on many important issues.

Important Agreements and Apologies

In 2005, Phil Fontaine helped negotiate the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. This agreement provided money and support for survivors of residential schools. It also led to the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

He also met with Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. This meeting was part of his efforts to get an apology for the harm caused by residential schools. His work eventually led to the Pope's apology in 2022.

Life After National Chief

After leaving his role as National Chief in 2009, Phil Fontaine continued to be an important voice. He became a special advisor for the Royal Bank of Canada. He also joined a law firm, advising on matters related to First Nations.

In 2012, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors.

Awards and Recognition

Phil Fontaine has received many awards and honorary degrees for his important work. These include:

• National Aboriginal Achievement Award (1996)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Royal Military College of Canada (1999)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Brock University (2004)
• Member of the Order of Manitoba (2004)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of Windsor (2005)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Lakehead University (2005)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of Winnipeg (2008)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of Western Ontario (2010)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of Guelph (2010)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Queen's University at Kingston (2010)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Carleton University (2013)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of Toronto (2017)
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of New Brunswick (2010)