Harold Cardinal

Dr. Harold Cardinal (January 27, 1945 – June 3, 2005) was a Cree writer, political leader, teacher, negotiator and lawyer.

Related Topics:
January 27 - 1945 - June 3 - 2005 - Cree

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Cardinal's writings and advocacy, in his early twenties, were instrumental in generating opposition against the government of Canada's proposed policy of assimilating Aboriginal peoples into the mainstream of society.

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From the start Cardinal steadfastly demanded, on behalf of all First Nation peoples, the right to be ?the red tile in the Canadian mosaic.?

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Cardinal was a lifelong student of First Nations law as practiced by Cree and other Aboriginal Elders, and this study has been complemented, but in no way supplanted, by extensive study of law in mainstream educational institutions. He was also a generous mentor and inspiration to a very great many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students, professionals and political leaders.

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He died of lung cancer in 2005 at the age of 60.

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