James Patrick Brady, better known as Jim Brady (March 11, 1908 – disappeared June 7, 1967),[2] was a Canadian Métis political leader and activist in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Along with Malcolm Norris, he is generally regarded as one of the two most influential Métis leaders of his era. Brady was a self-educated Marxist, Socialist, and Métis nationalist, as well as a member of the Communist Party of Canada.[3] Brady was a strong advocate and voice for the Métis of Alberta and would go on to become an instrumental part in the formalization of today's contemporary Métis Settlements in Alberta. Brady is a member of the historic Metis Settlements "Famous Five" leadership.
Jim Brady | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gunner James Patrick Brady April 11, 1908 |
| Disappeared | June 7, 1967 (aged 59) northern Saskatchewan |
| Status | Missing for 57 years, 5 months and 5 days |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Relatives | Berkley Brady (great-niece)[1] |
In addition to his political work, Brady was a well-known photographer.[4] Primarily showcasing woodlands or hunting scenes, Brady used the lens to argue for Métis political resurgence and self-determination.[4] In notable works collected by the Glenbow Museum, Brady's peers can be seen demonstrating principles of self-sufficiency and living off the land, central to the artist's ideology.[4] Brady practiced until his disappearance, and saw this pastime as a tool of resistance against settler colonialism.[4]
Biography
editHe was born on March 11, 1908, parented by a daughter of Métis Strathcona, Alberta pioneer Laurent Garneau and an Irish immigrant. Brady served in the Canadian Army in the European Theatre of World War II. He also helped to found numerous Métis political organizations in Western Canada. These included the Métis Association of Alberta, the Métis Association of Saskatchewan, and the Métis Association of La Ronge. He and Norris were motive force behind formation of Alberta's Metis settlements.[3]
Disappearance
editJim Brady's disappearance is still the subject of mystery and controversy. He disappeared in northern Saskatchewan while on a prospecting trip with a Cree friend in June 1967.[5] Their remains were never found, fueling speculation that they may have been murdered, or assassinated for his political activities.[6][7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Volmers, Eric (May 18, 2023). "Calgary filmmaker Berkley Brady's Dark Nature hits theatres; more projects in development". Calgary Herald. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
- ^ James BRADY Saskatoon RCMP Historical Case Unit
- ^ a b James Patrick Brady (jr.) - Metis Association of Alberta and Saskatchewan
- ^ a b c d Bassnett, Sarah; Parsons, Sarah (2023). Photography in Canada, 1839 - 1989: An Illustrated History. Art Canada Institute. ISBN 978-1-4871-0309-5.
- ^ "Aboriginal Faces of Saskatchewan - Jim Brady". www.sicc.sk.ca. Archived from the original on 2018-08-28. Retrieved 2018-08-28.
- ^ The Virtual Museum Of Métis History And Culture
- ^ Murray Dobbin, One-And-A-Half Men (twin biography of Malcolm Norris and James Brady)
Further reading
edit- Dobbin, Murray (1981). The One-and-a-Half Men: the Story of Jim Brady and Malcolm Norris, Metis Patriots of the Twentieth Century. Vancouver: New Star. ISBN 0919888364.
- Photography in Canada, 1839 - 1989: An Illustrated History by Sarah Bassnett and Sarah Parsons from the Art Canada Institute.
External links
edit
Media related to James Patrick Brady at Wikimedia Commons- University of Alberta biographical page on James P. Brady.
