Ottawa recognizes senator

Page 2

The late Senator James Gladstone, the first Aboriginal person appointed to the Senate, was commemorated Oct. 25 with the unveiling of a bust in the Senate foyer in Ottawa.

Gladstone, a member of the Blood Tribe of the Blackfoot Nation, was appointed to the Senate by then-prime minister John Diefenbaker in 1958. That was two years before Aboriginal people in this country had the right to vote. Gladstone served as an Independent Conservative from Lethbridge until 1971.

He married Janie Healy of the Blood reserve in 1911. They had six children: Lucy, Frederick, Nora, Horace, Doreen and Pauline.

He was a farmer and rancher and also served as president of the former Indian Association of Alberta from 1948 to 1954 and again in 1956. He was named Honorary President in 1957 and Patron in 1958.

"James Gladstone broke new ground, pushed back the boundaries of convention and helped ensure that Native issues were placed on our nation's agenda and that they remain there as a priority," said Speaker of the Senate, Senator Daniel Hays. "The scope and success of his career testify to his determination, diligence and vision."

Several descendants of Senator Gladstone attended the unveiling, including his eldest son, Fred Gladstone, who helped to unveil the bust. Senators Joyce Fairbairn and Thelma Chalifoux also spoke to the gathering.

Senator Gladstone died on Sept. 4, 1971.