Vern Harper facts for kids

Vern Harper (Traditional Name: Asin, meaning Stone or Grandfather) was a respected First Nations Cree Elder, spiritual guide, and Indigenous rights activist from Canada. He was born on June 17, 1936, in Regent Park, Toronto, Ontario, and passed away on May 12, 2018.

Known as the "Urban Elder," Vern Harper was a descendant of important Cree leaders. He was the fifth-generation grandson of Mistawasis, a hereditary Cree chief, and the sixth-generation grandson of Big Bear.

Early Life and Learning

Vern Harper had a tough childhood in Toronto's Regent Park. After his mother passed away, he was placed into the foster care system. He grew up in a Protestant foster home. When he was in his early teens, he went back to his mother's traditional lands in Mistawasis, Saskatchewan. There, he learned about his Cree traditions and language.

Serving His Country

At just 17 years old, Vern Harper joined the United States military. From 1952 to 1953, he served in The Korean War as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a paratrooper, which meant he was trained to jump out of planes into difficult areas.

Fighting for Rights

In the mid to late 1960s, Vern Harper lived in San Francisco. There, he met famous singers like Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison. During this time, he also learned about the American Indian Movement (AIM), a group working for Indigenous rights. He soon became a leader of the AIM branch in Toronto.

In 1972, Harper became more involved in politics as the Vice-President of the Ontario Metis and Non-Status Indian Association.

In 1974, Vern Harper and his wife at the time, Pauline Shirt, brought together different Indigenous groups. They formed the Native People’s Caravan, a journey across Canada. The caravan aimed to make people aware of broken treaties and concerns Indigenous peoples had with the Canadian government. They were strong voices for Native Peoples' Rights. Later, Vern Harper wrote a book about this journey called Following The Red Road: The Native People’s Caravan, 1974 (published in 1979).

In 1976, he and Pauline Shirt started the Wandering Spirit Survival School of Toronto. This school is now known as the First Nations School of Toronto.

Later Life and Legacy

Mr. Harper was one of the few First Nations Elders recognized by the Correctional Service of Canada as a spiritual guide. This meant he could provide spiritual services, traditional ceremonies like sweat lodges, and counseling to Indigenous people in prison. He also helped young Indigenous people who had gotten into trouble. He believed that First Nations spirituality could help people with their well-being and overcome personal challenges.

Vern Harper's life was a unique mix of old traditions and modern ways. He performed traditional Indigenous blessings and healing ceremonies. He was a strong leader and stayed deeply connected to Okichitaw Martial Arts. He shared his traditional knowledge and spiritual support with everyone involved in this Indigenous system. Elder Vern Harper-Asin was part of Okichitaw from its early days, offering advice and encouragement. He often led ceremonies and promotion tests for the group.

In 1997, the National Film Board of Canada made a documentary about Mr. Harper called Urban Elder. The film showed his life and his important role as a community leader and Traditional Elder in a city setting.

Vern Harper passed away on May 12, 2018, at the age of 81. He was laid to rest at Pine Hills Cemetery in Toronto on May 18, 2018.

His Family

Vern Harper is remembered by his wife of 37 years, Jerrilynn Harper. He had several daughters, including Carly, Cotee, Susan, Deanna, and Luanna. His sons included Clayton, Ted, and Les. He also had many grandchildren, including Tecumseh, Meyosin-bawaajigan, Raine, Justin, Faith, Charles, Ramona, Marina, Leonard, Debbie, Bruce, Bradley, Richie, Darnell, Aron, Rose, Levi, Felesha, Cheyenne, Joseph, Julia, Serafina, Anthony, Raymond, Dakota, and Pauline. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth, his son-in-law Theo, his sisters-in-law Elaine Cote and Carolyn Cote, and his brother-in-law, artist Philip Cote. He was predeceased by his brothers Edward and Victor, and some of his children and grandchildren.