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Harold Cardinal: Professor, Politician, Activist Who Used the Pen to Fight for the Oppressed

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Published in Harold Cardinal Professor Politician Activist Who Used The Pen To Fight For The Six Nations Canadian History For Kids True Canadian Heroes Indigenous People Of Canada Edition

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Harold Cardinal was a prominent Canadian academic, politician, and activist who used his voice and pen to fight for the rights of Indigenous peoples. Born on the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in Alberta, Cardinal experienced firsthand the discrimination and poverty faced by many Indigenous Canadians. He dedicated his life to challenging these injustices and advocating for a more just and equitable society.

Harold Cardinal - Professor, Politician & Activist Who Used the Pen to Fight for the Six Nations | Canadian History for Kids | True Canadian Heroes - Indigenous People Of Canada Edition

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	74 pages

Early Life and Education

Harold Cardinal was born on January 18, 1945, on the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in Alberta. He was the youngest of 12 children. Cardinal's parents were devout Catholics, and he was raised in a traditional Indigenous household. He attended a residential school for a brief period, but he was later sent to a public school. Cardinal excelled in school and went on to attend the University of Alberta, where he earned a degree in education.

Academic Career

After graduating from university, Cardinal began his career as a teacher. He taught at a number of schools, including the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation School. Cardinal was a passionate and dedicated teacher, and he was committed to helping his students succeed. He also became involved in Indigenous education politics, and he served as a member of the Alberta Indian Education Association.

In 1974, Cardinal was appointed to the faculty of the University of Alberta. He was the first Indigenous person to be appointed to a tenured position at the university. Cardinal taught in the Department of Native Studies, and he quickly became a leading scholar in the field of Indigenous education. He wrote extensively about the history, culture, and politics of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Cardinal's work was groundbreaking, and it helped to shape the way that Indigenous peoples are understood in Canada today.

Political Career

In 1988, Cardinal was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Edmonton-Beverly. He was the first Indigenous person to be elected to the Alberta Legislature. Cardinal served as an MLA for three terms, and he was a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights. He introduced a number of bills and resolutions that aimed to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples in Alberta.

In 1993, Cardinal was appointed to the Senate of Canada. He was the first Indigenous person to be appointed to the Senate. Cardinal served in the Senate for 15 years, and he was a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice. He also served as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples.

Activism

Cardinal was a lifelong activist for Indigenous rights. He was a founding member of the Indian Association of Alberta, and he served as its president for a number of years. Cardinal also played a leading role in the establishment of the National Indian Brotherhood (now known as the Assembly of First Nations). He was a strong advocate for Indigenous self-government, and he worked to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Cardinal was also a prolific writer. He wrote a number of books and articles about Indigenous rights, politics, and culture. His most famous book, _The Rebirth of Canada's Indians_ (1969),is a searing indictment of the Canadian government's treatment of Indigenous peoples. Cardinal's writing helped to raise awareness about the plight of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and it inspired a generation of Indigenous activists.

Legacy

Harold Cardinal died on June 2, 2005, at the age of 60. He left behind a legacy of activism, scholarship, and public service. Cardinal was a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights, and he helped to shape the way that Indigenous peoples are understood in Canada today. He was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality for all.

Cardinal received numerous awards and honours for his work. In 1986, he was awarded the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour in the country. In 1999, he was inducted into the Aboriginal Achievement Hall of Fame. In 2005, the University of Alberta established the Harold Cardinal Chair in Indigenous Education in his honour.

Harold Cardinal was a remarkable man who made significant contributions to Canadian society. He was a gifted scholar, a dedicated politician, and a tireless activist. Cardinal's work helped to shape the way that Indigenous peoples are understood in Canada today, and he inspired a generation of Indigenous activists. His legacy will continue to inspire and challenge us for years to come.