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Magella “Max” Gros-Louis (or Oné Onti, meaning “paddler” in the Wendat language), OC, OQ, politician, businessman (born on 6 August 1931 in Wendake, QC; died on 14 November 2020 in Quebec City, QC). Max Gros-Louis was Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation for 33 years. He championed several Indigenous causes including recognition of Indigenous territory and overall equality for Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Early Life
Born and raised in Wendake, Quebec, Max Gros-Louis grew up hunting on Wendat territories.
He later worked as an expedition guide, a surveyor's labourer, travelling salesman and manager of a Wendat dance troupe. In the 1950s, he became a producer of pan-Indigenous handicrafts.
Political Career
Max Gros-Louis was first elected Chief of the Huron-Wendat of Wendake in 1964. He served three terms in total: 1964-84, 1987-96 and 2004-08.
During his time as Chief, he was involved in the Indians of Canada Pavilion at Expo 67. He also served as a secretary and spokesperson during the foundation of the Indians of Quebec Association (from 1966-73). In 1970, as a Quebec representative, Gros-Louis was a founding member of the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations).
Gros-Louis also served in international Indigenous organizations. He was vice-Chief of both the North American Assembly of First Nations and World Assembly of First Nations.
His autobiography, First Among the Hurons, was published in 1973.
Honours and Awards
Max Gros-Louis received the National Order of Quebec in 2011 and became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2015.
Internationally, Gros-Louis has been recognized by the Académie Diplomatique de la Paix and by France with the Legion of Honour and the National Order of Merit.
