Grand Chief Stan Beardy
PROFILE
Stan Beardy was re-elected to an unprecedented fourth term as Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation in August 2009. First elected as Grand Chief in 2000, he represents 49 First Nation communities in Ontario in the territories of James Bay Treaty 9 and the Ontario portion of Treaty 5.
Throughout his time in office, Grand Chief Beardy has worked toward the implementation of traditional governance based on beneficial treaty relationships with the governments of Ontario and Canada. Under his leadership, Nishnawbe Aski Nation First Nation communities work to improve their qualities of life through respect, recognition and implementation of Aboriginal and treaty rights. He has championed the inherent rights of First Nations in Nishnawbe Aski territory by influencing legislation, yet maintains positive working relationships with all levels of government to continue to make progress for the people of Nishnawbe Aski.
Grand Chief Beardy was born and raised on a trap line at Bearskin Lake First Nation. He attended high school and college in Thunder Bay where he also worked as a welder-fitter for several years. In order to return to a traditional lifestyle of living off the land, Beardy moved to Muskrat Dam First Nation where he was elected and served as Chief for 10 years.
Throughout his career, he has held a variety of leadership positions with several organizations, including Sioux Lookout Chiefs Committee on Health, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, National Aboriginal Economic Development Board and the Northern Ontario Native Tourism Association. In his role as Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Beardy is a member of the Political Confederacy – a political table of Grand Chiefs in Ontario. In this role, Grand Chief Beardy holds the health portfolio for all First Nations in Ontario.
In 2009 Grand Chief Beardy partnered with the Trillium Gift of Life Network to promote the lifesaving benefits of organ and tissue donation in memory of his late son Daniel. In partnership with Trillium Gift of Life, he and his wife Nellie spearheaded an awareness campaign focused on reaching Ojibway, Cree and OjiCree speaking people in Ontario.
Grand Chief Beardy lives in Thunder Bay with his wife Nellie. Together they return home to the land as often as they can.
