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To celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21 we have compiled a list of 21+ important Indigenous people from all walks of life. It is a random list of inspirational Indigenous leaders, artists, activists, journalists, veterans, musicians, comedians, authors, documentarians, athletes and “just plain folk” whose determination, and commitment to their passion and beliefs have, and continue to, improve Canada’s culture and social wellness. This is by no means a complete list - that would take a lifetime to compile - it is however a compilation of names that should, in this era of reconciliation, be familiar household names.

Chief Beau Dick, or Gigame’ ‘Walas Gwa’yam, was born on November 23, 1955  and passed away, far too soon, on March 27, 2017.

He was a world renowned Indigenous artist and Indigenous rights advocate who made significant contributions to family, friends, community, and the culture of the Kwakwaka’wakw. His contributions were immeasurable, his reputation immense, his humility legendary.

As Canadians from coast to coast to coast prepare to mark Canada’s 150th birthday on July 1, 2017 I wanted to revisit and reflect on the late Chief Dan George’s speech “Lament for Confederation” made on the occasion of Canada’s 100th birthday. I thought it would make a good measuring stick to see how things have changed for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

On June 15, 2015, I, along with my sisters, had the great honour of witnessing our father, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, be appointed to the Order of British Columbia by Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon. To say I was proud would be an understatement.

This is another installment in our series on the people behind the transformational court cases that affect Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. Please visit Delbert Guerin Defender of the Musqueam Nation and Delgamuukw and Gisday’way to learn about the men behind those court cases.

We recently received a comment on our blog about Aboriginal athletes - why there aren’t more and why there aren’t any competing in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. We just wanted to share a snapshot of some of the outstanding Aboriginal athletes - both of professional standing and amatuer - although there is nothing amatuer about the professional attitude of an Olympic athlete!

by Bob Joseph

"Aboriginal people are not against the right of Quebec as a distinct society within Canada. […] Of course they are a distinct society. So are the aboriginal people." Elijah Harper

In Manitoba, Louis Riel Day is the third Monday in February and is a provincial holiday (first celebrated in 2008) - this date does not coincide with a memorable event in the life of this most controversial of Canada’s historical figures. The date was chosen to break up the long period between New Year’s Day and Good Friday, and the name of the holiday was chosen in a competition amongst school children.

by Bob Joseph