DECEMBER 24, 1939

CHIPPEWA JAMES K. BARTLEMAN BORN—DIPLOMAT/AUTHOR/PUBLIC OFFICIAL

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 1st Native vice-regal–he focused on: discrimination; Indigenous youth education/literacy; and mental illness. He was also Chancellor, ON College of Art & Design (2007-12). His books include: 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: Indspire Award in Public Service (1999); Member, Order of ON (2002); Queen Elizabeth II (QE2) Golden & Diamond Jubilee Medals (2002, 2012); Joseph Brant Award, ON Historical Society (2008 for Raison Wine); and Officer, Order of Canada (2011). 

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.