Rancher, Indigenous leader.
Born around 1919, son of Joseph and Nancy Spence, he ranched cattle in the Eddystone area. Much of his life was dedicated to advancing the interests of the Metis people, for whom he served as President of the Manitoba Metis Federation (1970-1973). In 1971, he played a key role in founding the Native Council of Canada. He and wife Antoinette had four sons and three daughters. He died at Winnipeg on 16 August 1985 and was buried in the St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery.
“Metis leader seeks place for his people,” Winnipeg Tribune, 28 November 1970.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 18 August 1985, page 19.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 29 November 2022
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