Canadian aboriginal affairs activist, born in Grand Rapids, Manitoba, C Canada. A Cree Indian, he studied law at the University of Manitoba, and practised as a criminal lawyer. A leading advocate of native people's rights, he supported a policy of nonviolent civil activism, and became National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in 1991. His book, In the Rapids: Navigating the Future of First Nations, appeared in 1993.
Ovide William Mercredi (born January 30, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Manitoba) is an Aboriginal Canadian politician.
Mercredi attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with a degree in law in 1977.
In 1991, Mercredi was elected national chief for the Assembly of First Nations.
In addition to serving as a lawyer and politician, Mercredi is a noted author.
Mercredi is an advocate of non-violent methods for change, and has been nominated by the Government of India for the Gandhi Peace Prize.
In April 2005, Mercredi announced he would challenge Bev Desjarlais for the nomination of the New Democratic Party in Desjarlais' riding of Churchill for the next federal election, but he later withdrew his candidacy.
He is currently serving his first term as the Chief of Grand Rapids First Nation in Manitoba.
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Preceded by: Georges Erasmus |
National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations 1991-1997 |
Succeeded by: Phil Fontaine |
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