DECEMBER 24, 1939

CHIPPEWA JAMES K. BARTLEMAN BORN—DIPLOMAT, AUTHOR, STATESMAN

Born in Orillia, Ontario (ON), his mother was of Mnjikaning First Nation.  Graduating from Western Univ. (1963), James joined the Foreign Service (1966).  Career highlights: High Commissioner–Bangladesh, Cyprus, South Africa & Australia; Ambassador–Cuba, Israel, NATO & EU; Foreign policy advisor; and Asst. Sec., Foreign & Defence policy.  As ON Lt. Gov. (2002)—ON’s 1^st Native vice-regal–he focused on: discrimination; Indigenous youth education/literacy; and mental illness.  He was Chancellor, ON College of Art & Design (2007-12).  His books: Out of Muskoka (2002), Raisin Wine (2007), On Six Continents (2004); Rollercoaster (2005); As Long as the River Flows (2011); and Exceptional Circumstances (2015).  Awards include: Nat’l Aboriginal Achievement Award in Public Service (1999); Member, Order of ON (2002); Queen Elizabeth II (QE2) Golden Jubilee Medal (2002); Raisin Wine, Joseph Brant Award, ON Historical Society (2008); Officer, Order of Canada (2011); and QE2 Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). 

Source:  Anna Zuschlag, “James K. Bartleman,” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 11/26/2008.  Retrieved 9/13/2020, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/james-k-bartleman
Photo:  Nat (Talk), 5/18/2005.  Public Domain.