Patrick Brazeau, Algonquin, 1975-
He is national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
(CAP), the national political organization that advocates for
the off-reserve Aboriginal community. Brazeau is Algonquin from
the Kitigan Zibi reserve community near Maniwaki, Quebec. He is
also a member of the Native Alliance of Quebec. Brazeau is vocal
proponent for the replacement of the Indian Act with more progressive,
and historically-based legislation that aims to reconstitute true
Indian Nations – such as the Mohawk, Cree, Algonquin and
Ojibwa nations. Brazeau spearheaded CAP’s participation
in the First Nations Governance initiative launched in 2001 and
continues to be a vocal proponent of open, transparent and responsible
governance, both for Reserves and for all five of the national
Aboriginal organizations. Brazeau believes that Aboriginal programs
and services should reflect the reality that the majority of Canada’s
Aboriginal peoples live off-reserve. Brazeau also believes in
the concept of a Métis Nation – one that includes
all Métis peoples, on the basis of provision of genealogical
proof of aboriginal ancestry and community acceptance. Brazeau
served in the Canadian Armed Forces (Naval Reserve/HMCS Carleton)
and has a 2nd degree black belt in Karate. He holds a degree in
Social Sciences and has also studied Civil Law at the University
of Ottawa.
