Shawn Atleo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shawn A-in-chut Atleo
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|---|---|
| Ah-up-wa-eek | |
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| National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations | |
| In office 2009–2014 |
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| Preceded by | Phil Fontaine |
| Succeeded by | Ghislain Picard (interim) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1967 (age 57–58) Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Spouses |
Nancy Atleo
(m. 1986–2014)Heather Squire
(m. 2017) |
| Residences | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Alma mater | University of Technology, Sydney |
Shawn A-in-chut Atleo (born in 1967) is a Canadian leader and activist. He is a member of the Ahousaht First Nation. From 2009 to 2014, he served as the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in Canada. Since 1999, he has also been a Hereditary Chief of the Ahousaht First Nation. This nation is part of the larger Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, located in British Columbia.
Contents
Shawn Atleo's Early Life and Education
Shawn Atleo was born in 1967 in Vancouver, British Columbia. He grew up as part of the Ahousaht First Nation family. He studied at the British Columbia Institute of Technology for his first degree. Later, he traveled to Sydney, Australia, to earn a Master of Education degree. This degree focused on adult learning and global change from the University of Technology.
As an adult, Atleo became a strong voice for the rights of First Nations in Canada. Before becoming National Chief, he was the Regional Chief for British Columbia within the Assembly of First Nations. Since 1999, he has held the important role of Hereditary Chief (called Hiwilth) for the Ahousaht First Nation.
Leading the Assembly of First Nations
Shawn Atleo was chosen as the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) on July 23, 2009. He won the election after several rounds of voting. He was re-elected for a second term on July 19, 2012.
He stepped down from his role as AFN Chief on May 2, 2014. This happened during discussions about a new law called Bill C-33, which was about First Nations education.
Other Important Roles and Contributions
In 2008, Shawn Atleo was named Chancellor of Vancouver Island University. This university is located in Nanaimo, British Columbia. He was the first university chancellor in British Columbia with Aboriginal heritage.
Atleo has also worked as a leader for a family treatment center. He also led an Aboriginal training institute called Umeek Human Resource Development. He helped write the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This important document outlines the rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide. He also led a group to help rebuild Indigenous communities in Indonesia. This was after the big 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami hit.
Shawn Atleo's Personal Life
Shawn Atleo is a cousin to Rhys Fulber. Rhys Fulber is a Canadian musician and record producer known for electronic music.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Shawn Atleo has received many awards and honorary degrees for his work. These special recognitions show how much he has contributed.
- The College of Family Physicians of Canada/Scotiabank Family Medicine Lectureship Award (2013).
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from University of Cape Breton (2013).
- Honorary Doctorate of Letters Degree from University of New Brunswick (2013).
- Indspire Award for Education (2013).
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from University of Guelph (2013).
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from Ryerson University (2012).
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from Queen's University (2012).
- Honorary Doctor of Civil Law Degree from Bishop's University (2012).
- Honorary Doctor of Technology Degree from British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) (2012).
- Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Technology, Sydney (2011).
- Honorary Doctor of Education Degree from Nipissing University (2010).
