Human Rights A Day

James Gladstone becomes Canada's first aboriginal senator. James Gladstone’s aboriginal name was Akay Namuka, which translates to “Many Guns.” Born May 21, 1887 near Mountain Hill, Northwest Territories, he was a member of the Blood Reserve in Alberta. After completing his schooling, Gladstone apprenticed as a printer, worked as an interpreter and eventually landed an RCMP position as “chief scout and interpreter.” Then he drifted for a while before taking up farming. Soon, he busied himself incorporating modern farming methods into his toil, encouraging others on his reserve to do the same, and establishing various business ventures with his sons. In 1949, he became president of the Indian Association of Alberta, where he was credited by some with bringing the federal vote to Treaty Indians in 1960. In 1957, newly elected Prime Minister John Diefenbaker made good on his pledge to appoint an Indian to Canada’s Upper Chamber by tapping Gladstone for the Senate. On January 31, 1958, Gladstone was officially swo