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{{Short description|Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and politician in Canada}}
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{{Infobox Politician
{{BLP sources|date=August 2016}}
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| image = Ovide Mercredi.JPG
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{{Infobox officeholder
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| name = Ovide Mercredi
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| image = Ovide Mercredi.JPG
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| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=CAN|OM|size=100%}}
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| name = Ovide Mercredi
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| caption =
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| honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=CAN|OC|OM|size=100%}}
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1946|1|30}}
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| caption =
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| birth_place = [[Grand Rapids, Manitoba|Grand Rapids]], [[Manitoba]]
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| birth_name = Ovide William Mercredi
| residence =
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1946|1|30}}
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| office1 = National Chief of the [[Assembly of First Nations]]
⚫
| birth_place = [[Grand Rapids, Manitoba|Grand Rapids]], [[Manitoba]], Canada
| term_start1 = 1991
| residence = [[Winnipeg]], [[Manitoba]]
| term_end1 = 1997
| office1 = President of the<br/>[[Manitoba New Democratic Party]]
⚫
| predecessor1 = [[Georges Erasmus]]
| term_start1 = February 7, 2015
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| successor1 = [[Phil Fontaine]]
| term_end1 = March 18, 2017
| party =
| leader1 = {{unbulleted list|[[Greg Selinger]]|[[Flor Marcelino]] (interim)}}
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| religion =
| predecessor1 = Ellen Olfert
⚫
| occupation =
| successor1 = David Woodbury
| spouse = Beryle Taylor (deceased) November 10, 2004
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| office2 = National Chief of the<br/>[[Assembly of First Nations]]
| term_start2 = 1991
| term_end2 = 1997
⚫
| predecessor2 = [[Georges Erasmus]]
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| successor2 = [[Phil Fontaine]]
| office3 = Chief of the [[Misipawistik Cree Nation]]
| term_start3 = 2005
| term_end3 = 2011
| party = [[Manitoba New Democratic Party|New Democratic]]{{when|date=August 2016}}
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| religion =
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| occupation =
| spouse = Beryle Taylor {{font|size=95%|text=({{abbr|d.|died}} {{abbr|2004|November 10, 2004}})}}
| alma_mater = [[University of Manitoba]]
| profession = [[Lawyer]]
}}
}}


'''Ovide William Mercredi''', {{post-nominals|country=CAN|OM}} (born January 30, 1946) is a [[Canada|Canadian]] [[politician]]. He is [[Cree]] and a former National Chief of the [[Assembly of First Nations]].
'''Ovide William Mercredi''' {{post-nominals|country=CAN|OC|OM}} (born January 30, 1946) is a [[Canadians|Canadian]] [[politician]]. He is [[Cree]] and a former National Chief of the [[Assembly of First Nations]]. He is also the former president of the [[Manitoba New Democratic Party]].<ref name="Ovide Mercredi elected president of Manitoba NDP">{{cite news|title=Ovide Mercredi elected president of Manitoba NDP|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ovide-mercredi-elected-president-of-manitoba-ndp-1.2985855|work=CBC News|date=March 7, 2015|accessdate=March 7, 2015}}</ref>


== Early life and career ==
Mercredi attended the [[University of Manitoba]] and graduated with a degree in Law in 1977. While a student he became President of the first Native Students’ Association formed in Canada. He was elected Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for [[Manitoba]] in 1989. Mercredi had specialized in constitutional law, and became a key strategist for the Assembly during the time of the [[Meech Lake Accord]] constitutional reform discussions. He also had a strong leadership role in resolving the [[Oka Crisis]].
A Cree, Ovide Mercredi was born in the Grand Rapids reserve of the Misipawistik Cree Nation, in central Manitoba. But he lived outside the reserve because his mother was stripped of her Indian status when she married a Métis (a person of mixed indigenous and European descent).<ref>Diane Lois Way, [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ovide-Mercredi "Ovide Mercredi"], ''Encyclopedia Britannica''.</ref> Mercredi attended the [[University of Manitoba]] and graduated with a degree in law in 1977. While a student he became President of the first [[Aboriginal peoples in Canada|native]] students' association formed in [[Canada]]. He was elected Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for [[Manitoba]] in 1989. Mercredi had specialized in constitutional law, and became a key strategist{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} for the Assembly during the time of the [[Meech Lake Accord]] constitutional reform discussions. He also had a strong leadership role in resolving the [[Oka Crisis]].


Mercredi was elected as National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, the national political body representing over 600 First Nation Chiefs across Canada. During her first term, Mercredi played a major role in the [[Charlottetown Accord]] constitutional discussions. He was re-elected as National Chief iEn 1994, and served until 1997. As National Chief, Mercredi addressed the [[United Nations]] in both [[Geneva]] and [[New York]]. he also led a Canadian delegation to the troubled area of the Mexican state of [[Chiapas]].
Mercredi was elected as National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, the national political body representing over 600 [[First Nations in Canada|First Nations]] [[tribal chief|chief]]s across Canada. During his first term, Mercredi played a major role in the [[Charlottetown Accord]] constitutional discussions.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} He was re-elected as National Chief in 1994, and served until 1997. As National Chief, Mercredi addressed the [[United Nations]] in both [[Geneva]] and [[New York City|New York]]. He also led a Canadian delegation to the troubled area of the Mexican state of [[Chiapas]].


In addition to serving as a lawyer and politician, Mercredi is a noted author. He co-wrote, with Justice Mary Ellen Turpel Lafond, the 1993 book ''In The Rapids: Navigating the Future of First Nations''.
In addition to serving as a [[lawyer]] and politician, Mercredi is a noted author.{{peacock term|date=August 2016}}{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} He co-wrote, with Justice [[Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond]], the 1993 book ''In The Rapids: Navigating the Future of First Nations''.


Mercredi is an advocate of non-violent methods for change and she has been nominated by the Government of [[India]] for the [[Gandhi Peace Prize]]. He has also received honorary law degrees from [[Saint Mary's University, Halifax|St. Mary's University]] and [[Bishop's University]].
Mercredi is an advocate of non-violent methods for change and has been nominated by the Government of [[India]] for the [[Gandhi Peace Prize]]. He has also received honorary law degrees from [[Saint Mary's University (Halifax)|Saint Mary's University]], Cape Breton University and [[Bishop's University]].


== Career since his national chiefship ==
In April 2005, Mercredi announced he would challenge [[Bev Desjarlais]] for the [[New Democratic Party (Canada)|New Democratic Party]] nomination in the riding of [[Churchill (electoral district)|Churchill]] for the next [[Canadian federal election, 2006|federal election]], but he later withdrew his candidacy.
In April 2005, Mercredi announced he would challenge [[Bev Desjarlais]] for the [[New Democratic Party]] nomination in the riding of [[Churchill (electoral district)|Churchill]] for the next [[2006 Canadian federal election|federal election]], but he later withdrew his candidacy.


In May 2007, Mercredi along with her fellow Manitoba Chiefs began seeking compensation from Manitoba Telecom Services for every cellphone signal that passes through First Nations land, saying the airspace should be considered a resource like land and water. Mercredi was quoted as saying "When it comes to using airspace, it's like using our water and simply because there's no precedent doesn't mean that it's not the right thing to do."
In May 2007, Mercredi along with his fellow Manitoba chiefs began seeking compensation from [[Manitoba Telecom Services]] for every cellphone signal that passes through First Nations land, saying the airspace should be considered a resource like land and water. Mercredi was quoted as saying, "When it comes to using airspace, it's like using our water and simply because there's no precedent doesn't mean that it's not the right thing to do."


He is the current chancellor of [[University College of the North]] in northern Manitoba, and delivered his inaugural address at a ceremony on November 6, 2007.<ref>{{cite web
He is the former chancellor of [[University College of the North]] in northern Manitoba, and delivered his inaugural address at a ceremony on November 6, 2007.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Ovide Mercredi installed as chancellor of Manitoba's newest university
| title = Ovide Mercredi installed as chancellor of Manitoba's newest university
| publisher = CBC News
| publisher = CBC News
| date = November 7, 2007
| date = November 7, 2007
| url = http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2007/11/07/mercredi-chancellor.html
| url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ovide-mercredi-installed-as-chancellor-of-manitoba-s-newest-university-1.683199
| accessdate = 2009-10-03}}
| accessdate = March 8, 2015}}
</ref>
</ref>


On Friday June 12, 2009, Ovide Mercredi received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from [[Athabasca University]].<ref name="Doctor">Edmonton Journal, page B4, June 12, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.athabascau.ca/convocation/about/HRdocs.php AU Convocation] Honorary Doctorates</ref>
On June 12, 2009, Ovide Mercredi received an [[honorary degree|honorary]] [[Doctor of Letters]] degree from [[Athabasca University]].<ref name="Doctor">''Edmonton Journal'', page B4, June 12, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.athabascau.ca/convocation/about/HRdocs.php AU Convocation] Honorary Doctorates</ref>


Mercredi became Chief of the Misipawistik Cree Nation and served his community from 2005 to 2011.
Mercredi became Chief of the [[Misipawistik Cree Nation]] and served his community from 2005 to 2011.


In 2012, Mercredi endorsed [[Sheila Copps]]' bid for the presidency of the [[Liberal Party of Canada]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Rabson |first=Mia |date=January 5, 2012 |title=Local Liberals pin hopes on former MP |url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/local-liberals-pin-hopes-on-former-mp-136722093.html |newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press |access-date=August 27, 2016}}</ref>
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==See also==

*[[Notable Aboriginal people of Canada]]
In 2013, Ovide Mercredi received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Manitoba.

He was elected president of the [[Manitoba New Democratic Party]] on March 7, 2015.<ref name="Ovide Mercredi elected president of Manitoba NDP"/> While now the president of a political party, he has previously publicly questioned the utility of voting.<ref>{{cite news |last=King |first=Hayden |date=August 21, 2015 |title=3 reasons why First Nations voters are suddenly more engaged |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/3-reasons-why-first-nations-voters-are-suddenly-more-engaged-1.3198052 |work=CBC News |access-date=August 27, 2016}}</ref> Mercredi, at the age of 72, announced that he would step down from his position.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kavanagh |first1=Sean |title=David Woodbury elected NDP president |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/david-woodbury-ndp-president-1.4031414 |website=CBC News |access-date=2 June 2021}}</ref>

On October 22, 2015, Ovide Mercredi launched his book of poetry called ''My Silent Drum'' published by Aboriginal Issues Press. All proceeds of the book will go towards a scholarship for an indigenous student at the University of Manitoba.

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== See also ==
*[[Aboriginal Canadian personalities]]


== References ==
== References ==
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{{reflist}}9. Perspectives on ideology textbook {{Assembly of First Nations chiefs}}
{{reflist|2}}
{{Portal bar|Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Canada|Biography|Politics}}


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{{Authority control}}
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{{Assembly of First Nations chiefs}}


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{{Authority control|VIAF=78669475}}
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
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| NAME =Mercredi, Ovide
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
| DATE OF BIRTH =January 30, 1946
| PLACE OF BIRTH =[[Grand Rapids, Manitoba|Grand Rapids]], [[Manitoba]]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mercredi, Ovide}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mercredi, Ovide}}
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:1946 births]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Assembly of First Nations chiefs]]
[[Category:Assembly of First Nations chiefs]]
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[[Category:Members of the Order of Manitoba]]
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[[Category:University of Manitoba alumni]]
[[Category:Cree people]]
[[Category:Cree people]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:Members of the Order of Manitoba]]
[[Category:Robson Hall alumni]]
[[Category:Canadian political party presidents]]
[[Category:New Democratic Party of Manitoba politicians]]
[[Category:Political office-holders of Indigenous governments in Canada]]
[[Category:First Nations lawyers]]
[[Category:20th-century Canadian lawyers]]
[[Category:21st-century Canadian lawyers]]
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[[Category:Lawyers in Manitoba]]
[[Category:Officers of the Order of Canada]]
[[Category:Politicians from Winnipeg]]

Latest revision as of 09:05, 12 April 2024

Ovide Mercredi
OC OM
President of the
Manitoba New Democratic Party
In office
February 7, 2015 – March 18, 2017
Leader
Preceded byEllen Olfert
Succeeded byDavid Woodbury
National Chief of the
Assembly of First Nations
In office
1991–1997
Preceded byGeorges Erasmus
Succeeded byPhil Fontaine
Chief of the Misipawistik Cree Nation
In office
2005–2011
Personal details
Born
Ovide William Mercredi

(1946-01-30) January 30, 1946 (age 78)
Grand Rapids, Manitoba, Canada
Political partyNew Democratic[when?]
SpouseBeryle Taylor (d. 2004)
Residence(s)Winnipeg, Manitoba
Alma materUniversity of Manitoba
ProfessionLawyer

Ovide William Mercredi OC OM (born January 30, 1946) is a Canadian politician. He is Cree and a former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He is also the former president of the Manitoba New Democratic Party.[1]

Early life and career

[edit]

A Cree, Ovide Mercredi was born in the Grand Rapids reserve of the Misipawistik Cree Nation, in central Manitoba. But he lived outside the reserve because his mother was stripped of her Indian status when she married a Métis (a person of mixed indigenous and European descent).[2] Mercredi attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with a degree in law in 1977. While a student he became President of the first native students' association formed in Canada. He was elected Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for Manitoba in 1989. Mercredi had specialized in constitutional law, and became a key strategist[citation needed] for the Assembly during the time of the Meech Lake Accord constitutional reform discussions. He also had a strong leadership role in resolving the Oka Crisis.

Mercredi was elected as National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, the national political body representing over 600 First Nations chiefs across Canada. During his first term, Mercredi played a major role in the Charlottetown Accord constitutional discussions.[citation needed] He was re-elected as National Chief in 1994, and served until 1997. As National Chief, Mercredi addressed the United Nations in both Geneva and New York. He also led a Canadian delegation to the troubled area of the Mexican state of Chiapas.

In addition to serving as a lawyer and politician, Mercredi is a noted author.[peacock prose][citation needed] He co-wrote, with Justice Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, the 1993 book In The Rapids: Navigating the Future of First Nations.

Mercredi is an advocate of non-violent methods for change and has been nominated by the Government of India for the Gandhi Peace Prize. He has also received honorary law degrees from Saint Mary's University, Cape Breton University and Bishop's University.

Career since his national chiefship

[edit]

In April 2005, Mercredi announced he would challenge Bev Desjarlais for the New Democratic Party nomination in the riding of Churchill for the next federal election, but he later withdrew his candidacy.

In May 2007, Mercredi along with his fellow Manitoba chiefs began seeking compensation from Manitoba Telecom Services for every cellphone signal that passes through First Nations land, saying the airspace should be considered a resource like land and water. Mercredi was quoted as saying, "When it comes to using airspace, it's like using our water and simply because there's no precedent doesn't mean that it's not the right thing to do."

He is the former chancellor of University College of the North in northern Manitoba, and delivered his inaugural address at a ceremony on November 6, 2007.[3]

On June 12, 2009, Ovide Mercredi received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Athabasca University.[4][5]

Mercredi became Chief of the Misipawistik Cree Nation and served his community from 2005 to 2011.

In 2012, Mercredi endorsed Sheila Copps' bid for the presidency of the Liberal Party of Canada.[6]

In 2013, Ovide Mercredi received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Manitoba.

He was elected president of the Manitoba New Democratic Party on March 7, 2015.[1] While now the president of a political party, he has previously publicly questioned the utility of voting.[7] Mercredi, at the age of 72, announced that he would step down from his position.[8]

On October 22, 2015, Ovide Mercredi launched his book of poetry called My Silent Drum published by Aboriginal Issues Press. All proceeds of the book will go towards a scholarship for an indigenous student at the University of Manitoba.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Ovide Mercredi elected president of Manitoba NDP". CBC News. March 7, 2015. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  2. ^ Diane Lois Way, "Ovide Mercredi", Encyclopedia Britannica.
  3. ^ "Ovide Mercredi installed as chancellor of Manitoba's newest university". CBC News. November 7, 2007. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  4. ^ Edmonton Journal, page B4, June 12, 2009
  5. ^ AU Convocation Honorary Doctorates
  6. ^ Rabson, Mia (January 5, 2012). "Local Liberals pin hopes on former MP". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  7. ^ King, Hayden (August 21, 2015). "3 reasons why First Nations voters are suddenly more engaged". CBC News. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  8. ^ Kavanagh, Sean. "David Woodbury elected NDP president". CBC News. Retrieved 2 June 2021.

9. Perspectives on ideology textbook

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