Native American Authors

Thomas Fiddler , 1904-1987

Cree

Thomas Fiddler was the last traditional hereditary chief and a patriarch to the people of Sandy Lake. He was born on the south shore of Big Sandy Lake, Ontario, in 1904, the fifth son of Robert Fiddler. He became Chief on October 15th, 1939, assuming responsibilities of Chief after his father's death, elected in 1940 until 1968. He carried a strong wisdom throughout his term as Chief travelling to distant towns and cities advocating for his people and the lifestyle of the north. Fiddler was bestowed with numerous awards and citations for his advocacy and participation in the development of governing structures in Northern Ontario until his death in 1987.



ÔFiddler is the hereditary leader of the Sucker clan at Big Sandy Lake on the Upper Severn River in the province of Ontario. His father, Robert Fiddler, and grandfather, Jack Fiddler, were leaders before him. This lineage is traceable to a great-grandfather who had no English name. He was Porcupine Standing Sideways who died in 1891 at the ripe old age of 121 years.' ÑJames R. Stevens

 

Online resources by or about Thomas Fiddler:

Sandy Lake Health and Diabetes Project
Author: Sandy Lake Health and Diabetes Project
Type: tribal
Description: The Sandy Lake Health and Diabetes Project is a partnership between the First Nations and diabetes researchers in order to improve the health and wellness of the native residents of Sandy Lake in Ontario, Canada. The website lists a history of the Sandy Lake First Nation and includes biographical references to the author Thomas Fiddler who was Chief of the nation from 1939-1968.
URL: http://www.sandylakediabetes.com/Backup/community.html

Books by Thomas Fiddler:

Fiddler, Thomas. Killing the Shamen
Waterloo, Canada : Penumbra Press, 1985.
Genre: Oral History
Language: English
Audience: All Ages
ISBN: 0920806813

Fiddler, Thomas. Legends From the Forest
Waterloo, Canada : Penumbra Press, 1985.
Genre: Oral History
Language: English
Audience: All Ages
ISBN: 0920806643

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