Biography & Autobiography Native Americans
He Moved A Mountain
The Life of Frank Calder and the Nisga'a Land Claims Accord
- Publisher
- Ronsdale Press
- Initial publish date
- May 2013
- Category
- Native Americans, Political, Native American Studies
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781553802273
- Publish Date
- May 2013
- List Price
- $21.95
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Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 15
- Grade: 10
Description
Dr. Frank Arthur Calder of BC's Nisga'a First Nation was the first aboriginal person to be elected to any Canadian governing body. For twenty-six years he served as an MLA in the legislature of British Columbia. He was the driving force behind Canada's decision to grant recognition of aboriginal land title to First Nations people throughout the country. He accomplished this goal by guiding the controversial request through a series of court cases, finally to the Supreme Court of Canada, achieving success when Parliament, in an all-party resolution, passed a measure recognizing indigenous title. Because of this historic decision, Canada serves as a resource for other aboriginal populations in countries where similar accommodations for aboriginal people have not yet been made. Calder received many honours in his lifetime, including the Order of Canada. The one he most cherished, however, was one rarely bestowed by the Nisga'a Nation: "Chief of Chiefs." While growing up, Frank went to grade 10 in residential school, completed high school and then graduated from the University of BC (in the Anglican Theological College). It took him two years longer than usual to complete university, as he had to return home during the fishing season to earn the money for his tuition.
About the author
Joan Harper’s career began in library education at the Vancouver School Board and the University of BC. A long-time admirer of the work of Frank Calder, Joan met Frank’s wife shortly after Frank’s death and gained access to much private material, augmenting it with extensive research through interviews and in the archives. Currently, Joan resides in Schelt, BC, with her husband.
Librarian Reviews
He Moved a Mountain: The Life of Frank Calder and the Nisga'a Land Claims Accord
Th is is the biography of Frank Calder, the first Aboriginal in Canada to be elected to any legislature and to be appointed a cabinet minister. He served as MLA for Atlin, BC for 26 years and for most of that time he was also the president of the Nisga’a Tribal Council. Calder fought tirelessly for Aboriginal rights. He won the right of First Nations to negotiate land claims in a Supreme Court of Canada decision favouring the Nisga’a. When Calder passed away in 2006, the world lost an internationally respected Aboriginal elder. Includes extensive chapter notes.Harper is a former library educator both for the Vancouver School Board and the University of British Columbia. Th is is her first book.
Caution: Use of the word “Indian” reflects the historical context of the work.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2013-2014.
