Will Morin facts for kids

Will Morin is a Canadian politician and artist. He was the leader of the First Peoples National Party of Canada from 2010 until the party ended in 2013. This party worked to represent the interests of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

About Will Morin

Early Life and Education

Will Morin was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He is a member of the Michipicoten First Nation. He served as a medical assistant in the Canadian Forces during the 1991 Gulf War.

After his military service, he went to university. He earned a degree in Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax. He also studied at Laurentian University, where he earned a degree in Native Studies and a Master's degree in humanities.

Career and Community Work

Today, Will Morin works as a teacher, artist, and cultural consultant. He lives in Sudbury, Ontario. He has always been a strong supporter of local artists.

He has been part of the board for the Sudbury Arts Council. He also helped start the White Mountain Academy of the Arts. In 2003, he suggested creating a community arts center in downtown Sudbury. His own artwork has been shown in different places across Canada.

Will Morin's Political Journey

Starting in Politics

Will Morin became involved in politics while he was at university. He was the Eastern Regional Representative for Aboriginal Students with the Canadian Federation of Students. He also served as president of the Young Liberals Association at Cambrian College.

Later, he joined the First Peoples National Party of Canada (FPNP). He was the first person to run for public office for this party in December 2005.

Running in Elections

Will Morin ran as a candidate for the FPNP in several federal elections. He first ran in 2006 in the area of Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing. He then ran in Sudbury in both the 2008 and 2011 elections.

In 2006 and 2008, he received the most votes of any candidate from his party. In the 2011 election, he was the only candidate for the FPNP.

Standing Up for Indigenous Voices

During his campaigns, Will Morin focused on important issues for Indigenous peoples. He wanted to make sure their values were heard in politics. He also worked to include Indigenous people more in the political process.

In 2008, he was not allowed to join a debate with other candidates on a local radio station. Because of this, all four major party candidates decided not to participate in the debate either. They chose to boycott it to show support for Morin. Even though he did not win many votes, he felt he achieved his goal of raising awareness.

Activism and Protests

Will Morin has also been involved in protests to support Indigenous rights. In 2006, he took part in a protest to support a road blockade by the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation in Brant.

In 2008, he protested against the Canadian Pacific Spirit Train. This train was meant to promote the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Many protesters argued that the Olympic Games were being held on traditional Indigenous lands without permission.