NAN congratulates order of Canada recipient Edmund Metatawabin

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, congratulates Indian Residential School survivor and advocate Edmund Metatawabin, on being invested into the Order of Canada today.

“Edmund’s advocacy has been fundamental in ensuring that the federal government cannot suppress the shocking truth behind the residential school experience. It is fitting that Canada should recognize him with such an honour, and we extend our most heartfelt congratulations,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “It has taken tremendous courage for Edmund to challenge the government to reveal the horrors of the Indian Residential School system. He is an outstanding advocate and we honour his dedication to helping survivors on their path to healing.”

Metatawabin, from Fort Albany First Nation, attended the notorious St. Anne’s Residential School when he was just seven years old; taken from his family and starved, abused and stripped of his identity.  He is being recognized for his 27 years of advocating in support of St. Anne’s survivors and for ensuring the truth about the widespread abuse of children who were forced to attend St. Anne’s.

Since 1992, his leadership on legal challenges against the federal government led to the revelation that the government officials violated the 2006 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement by withholding thousands of stories from St. Anne’s survivors pleaded in civil actions or recorded by the police or given in criminal proceedings.  Since then, many other St. Anne’s survivors have joined Metatawabin in court proceedings to enforce the Settlement Agreement. 

Edmund is a leading advocate for St. Anne’s survivors in their continuing quest for truth and justice. He also works to help the next generation heal by re-introducing them to their land and culture.

The investiture ceremony will be streamed live at 11 a.m. at www.gg.ca/live

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca