Wendy Grant-John facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wendy Grant-John
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Grant-John in 2011
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| Chief of the Musqueam First Nation | |
| Vice-Chief of the Assembly of First Nations | |
| Personal details | |
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Wendy Sparrow
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Spouse | Edward John |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Willard Sparrow (father), Gail, Debra, and Robyn Sparrow (sisters) |
| Awards | Indspire Award (2006), YWCA Woman of Distinction (2001), Honourary Doctorates from Royal Roads University (2003) and Simon Fraser University (2011) |
Wendy Grant-John is an important First Nations leader from British Columbia, Canada. She was the chief of the Musqueam First Nation for three terms. She was also the first woman to be chosen as a regional vice-chief for the Assembly of First Nations.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Wendy Grant-John's father, Willard Sparrow, was also a chief of the Musqueam people. Her sister, Gail Sparrow, is also a well-known leader. Wendy has two other sisters, Debra and Robyn Sparrow, who are Indigenous weavers.
Her Career and Leadership
Working for First Nations
In 1997, Wendy Grant-John ran for National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. She came in second place to Phil Fontaine. That same year, she started studying at the University of Northern British Columbia.
From 1997 to 2000, she worked for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs in British Columbia. She was the Associate Regional Director-General. She was also the first woman to be elected as a Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations.
Helping Businesses and Communities
Wendy Grant-John has helped start and run several businesses. As the Musqueam chief, she helped create Canada's first commercial fishery for Indigenous people. She also helped start Musqueam Weavers, a company that brought back the local tradition of weaving.
In 1998, she was a founding member and director of the Aboriginal Healing Commission. This group worked to help Indigenous communities heal from past harms.
Other Important Roles
Grant-John has served in many other important roles. She was a lay bencher for the Law Society of British Columbia. This means she helped oversee lawyers in the province. She also served as a Commissioner for the Pacific Salmon Commission.
In 2006, she was appointed by the Minister of Indian Affairs. She was also named a Co-chair for the Assembly of First Nations Commission. In 2011, she joined the National Aboriginal Client Services Practice.
In 2017, the Canadian government chose Grant-John to be part of a group of five people. Their job was to suggest changes for the National Energy Board. Two years later, in 2019, she became a member of the Vancouver Police Board.
Awards and Recognition
Wendy Grant-John has received many awards for her work.
- In 2001, she received the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Social Action.
- In 2003, she received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Royal Roads University.
- In 2006, she received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. This award is now called the Indspire Awards. She received it for her work in Community Development.
- In 2011, she received another honorary doctorate from Simon Fraser University.
Personal Life
Wendy Grant-John is married to Edward John. She has four children from her previous marriage to Howard Grant.
