NAN congratulates Ovide Mercredi

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, congratulates former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Ovide Mercredi who was confirmed with an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD), by the Law Society of Ontario at today’s Call to the Bar Ceremony in Ottawa:

“Ovide Mercredi is a respected lawyer and distinguished leader and we applaud the Law Society of Ontario for acknowledging his tremendous work as a leading advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Ovide has dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice and self-determination and played key roles in the Meech Lake Accord constitutional reform discussions, the resolution of the Oka Crisis, and the Charlottetown Accord. We are honoured that he is now leading our work with the governments of Canada and Ontario for the transformation of health systems across NAN territory. His guidance and compassion is invaluable to our work rebuilding our inherent wellness systems, eliminating health disparities and achieving improved outcomes for our people.”

Ovide Mercredi is a Cree born in the northern community of Grand Rapids, Manitoba, and has worked tirelessly for the rights of First Nations people throughout Canada. He served his community as Chief of Misipawistik Cree Nation from 2005 to 2011. A graduate of the University of Manitoba, he practiced criminal law and later specialized in constitutional law as an advisor to Manitoba Chiefs.

In 1989, he was elected Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations for Manitoba. He became a key strategist during the Meech Lake Accord constitutional reform discussions. He also had a strong leadership role in helping to resolve the Oka Crisis in 1990.

He was elected National Chief in 1991 and led the negotiations for the First Nations in the Charlottetown Accord. He was re-elected in 1994 and served as National Chief until 1997. He is known as a First Nations leader who speaks eloquently with passion and clarity.

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