Willie Littlechild facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willie Littlechild
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Littlechild in 2024
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| Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin |
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| In office 1988–1993 |
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| Preceded by | Stanley K. Schellenberger |
| Succeeded by | Dale Johnston |
| Personal details | |
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J. Wilton Littlechild
1 April 1944 Hobbema, Alberta, Canada |
| Political party | Progressive Conservative Party of Canada |
| Spouse | Helen Peacock |
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| Alma mater | University of Alberta |
| Signature |  |
Willie Littlechild, born in 1944, is a respected Canadian lawyer and a leader of the Cree people. He was once the Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Canada.
Willie Littlechild is known for his important work helping Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world. He also survived the residential school system. He was born in a place called Hobbema, Alberta, which is now known as Maskwacis.
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Early Life and Education
Willie Littlechild was born on April 1, 1944, in Hobbema, Alberta. When he was six years old, he was sent to a residential school. He spent 14 years there, until he finished high school. During this time, he saw and experienced many difficult things.
As a young man, Willie Littlechild was a very good athlete. He won ten "Athlete of the Year" awards. He earned a degree in Physical Education in 1967. Later, in 1975, he got a master's degree in physical education from the University of Alberta. While at university, he played on the hockey and swimming teams.
In 1976, he became the first Status Indian from Alberta to earn a law degree. He received this degree from the University of Alberta as well. That same year, the Cree Nations honored him with a special headdress. They also gave him his grandfather's Cree name, Mahihgan Pimoteyw, which means "Walking Wolf."
Willie Littlechild's Career and Contributions
Willie Littlechild has dedicated his life to helping Indigenous peoples. He has worked both in Canada and on the world stage.
Working for Indigenous Rights
In 1977, Willie Littlechild was part of an Indigenous group that went to the United Nations. There, he helped work on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This important document helps protect the rights of Indigenous people worldwide.
He also helped start the North American Indigenous Games in 1990. These games are a big event for Indigenous athletes. He has also pushed for the creation of the World Indigenous Games. This would be a global sports event for Indigenous athletes from all over.
Serving in Parliament
From 1988 to 1993, Willie Littlechild was a Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament. He represented the area of Wetaskiwin. After leaving Parliament, he continued to be active in politics. He founded the International Organization of Indigenous Resource Development. This group is a non-governmental organization that works with the United Nations.
Willie Littlechild is a member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation. The Indian Association of Alberta gives out the Willie Littlechild Achievement Award each year. This award goes to six First Nations students.
Awards and Recognition
Willie Littlechild has received many honors for his work. In 1998, he became a member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. In 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Companion of the Order of Canada.
In 2006, he received the Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes his great work in promoting Canada's parliamentary system of government.
In 2009, Willie Littlechild was chosen to be a commissioner for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. He worked for six years on this commission. Its goal was to learn and share the truth about residential schools. In 2017, he received the Meritorious Service Cross for his work with the commission.
He received the Indspire Award for law and justice in 2015. In 2016, he became the Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. He was the first "non-sitting" chief to hold this important position. In 2018, he was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. In 2019, he won the Pearson Peace Medal for his work towards peace.
During Pope Francis' visit to Canada in 2022, Willie Littlechild gave the Pope a traditional Indian headdress. This gesture had different reactions from the Indigenous community.
Images for kids
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Willie Littlechild's signature
