Phil Fontaine facts for kids

Larry Phillip Fontaine (born September 20, 1944) is an important Indigenous leader from Canada. He was the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He is well-known for helping people understand the history of Canadian Indian residential schools. He also worked hard to get apologies from the Canadian government in 2008 and from the Pope in 2022. He also helped get Pope Francis to reject the idea of the Discovery doctrine in 2023.

Early Life and Education

Phil Fontaine is an Ojibwe person. He was born on September 20, 1944. His family lived on the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. This community is about 150 kilometers north of Winnipeg. He grew up with ten brothers and two sisters. His first language was Ojibway.

When he was young, he went to a residential school in Sagkeeng. He also attended another residential school in Winnipeg. He finished high school in 1961.

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

In 1981, Fontaine earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He studied political science at the University of Manitoba.

Leading First Nations Communities

After university, Phil Fontaine worked as an advisor for the Southeast Resource Development Council. Later, he was elected as Manitoba’s vice-chief for the Assembly of First Nations. He was one of the First Nation leaders in Manitoba who spoke out against the Meech Lake Accord. This was a proposed change to Canada's constitution.

In 1990, Fontaine bravely spoke about the abuse he and others faced at residential schools. This helped bring the issue to national attention. The Aboriginal Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission recognized his courage. In 1991, he became the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. He held this position 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 helped resolve land claims for Indigenous communities. During his time there, the Kahkewistahaw First Nation settled their land claim. They received $94.6 million.

Fontaine was elected National Chief again in 2003. He was re-elected in 2006. He focused on an agenda called "Getting Results." He also wanted to bring back the $5 billion Kelowna Accord. This agreement was made in 2005 to improve life and education for Indigenous people. However, the next government cancelled it.

A major achievement was the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement in 2005. This agreement provided over $5 billion to survivors of residential schools. It also created a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Canadian government approved this agreement in 2006.

In 2007, Fontaine worked with the Prime Minister to create a new process. This process would help settle specific land claims fairly.

Life After Politics

Since 2009, Phil Fontaine has been a special advisor to the Royal Bank of Canada. He helps the bank work better with Indigenous governments, communities, and businesses. In 2010, he also became a senior advisor at a law firm, Norton Rose OR LLP. He advises clients on matters related to First Nations, energy, and resources.

He was honored as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2012. This is one of Canada's highest honors.

Phil Fontaine has two children, Mike and Maya. He also has seven grandchildren. His nephew, Jerry Fontaine, was also a chief of the Sagkeeng Nation. Another nephew, Tim Fontaine, is a comedy writer.

Awards and Special Recognition

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

• 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)