Phil Fontaine

Phil Fontaine
National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
In office
1997–2000
Preceded byOvide Mercredi
Succeeded byMatthew Coon Come
In office
2003–2009
Preceded byMatthew Coon Come
Succeeded byShawn Atleo
Personal details
Born (1944-09-20) September 20, 1944 (age 80)
Fort Alexander, Manitoba, Canada
Alma materUniversity of Manitoba (BA)

Larry Phillip Fontaine, OC OM (born September 20, 1944) is an Indigenous Canadian leader and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He best known for his central role in raising public awareness of the Canadian Indian residential school system and pushing to secure Federal and Papal apologies in 2008 and 2022 respectively. [1] [2] He also helped secure a repudiation of Discovery doctrine from Pope Francis on March 30, 2023.[3]

  1. ^ "Phil Fontaine | The Canadian Encyclopedia". www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-05.
  2. ^ "Pope's apology to Indigenous peoples for abuse at residential schools insufficient, Canada says". PBS NewsHour. 2022-07-28. Retrieved 2023-04-05.
  3. ^ Winfield, Nicole (March 30, 2023). ""Indigenous leaders hope Vatican's repudiation of oppressive colonial concepts leads to real change."". CBC News. Retrieved April 5, 2023.