Apparently Shawn Graham has recommended to PM Harper that Graydon Nicholas be appointed to replace Hermenegilde Chiasson when he completes his term this summer. I had the privilege of hearing Nicholas speak at an event two years ago and he was awesome.
He obviously has a deep sense of history and culture, and a deep attachment to the landscape - he referred to the Saint John River many times as "the aboriginal highway." He also has a love for learning, and most importantly, for justice. Although it would be a fine line to walk, being Abenaki and representing Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Nicholas seems to be a man who can tell the truth in a way that everyone can respect. A rare find, indeed.
He spoke about the numerous times the provincial government refused to deal with educating native people in the 1960's and 1970's, and how successive governments basically ignored native rights to natural resources such as forestry. He has a deep knowledge of the legal history of colonial struggles between Aboriginal and European people and giving him a wide public platform would be a breath of fresh air. Graydon Nicholas is a great role model for all New Brunswickers and I hope he gets the job.
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