Geswanouth Slahoot, who became better known as Chief Dan George, was born on July 24, 1899, on the Burrard Indian Reserve (now the Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He was a member of the Coast Salish First Nations, specifically the Burrard Band.
Chief Dan George spent most of his early life on the Burrard Reserve, working as a longshoreman and logger, and participating in tribal rituals and traditions. However, in the 1950s, he began to focus more on his creative pursuits, including acting, writing, and poetry.
In 1960, Chief Dan George made his acting debut in the film “The Trap,” and he went on to appear in many other movies and television shows. He is perhaps best known for his role as Old Lodge Skins in the film “Little Big Man” (1970), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In addition to his acting career, Chief Dan George was an accomplished writer and poet. He wrote several books, including “My Heart Soars,” which is a collection of his poems and reflections on life, nature, and spirituality.
Throughout his life, Chief Dan George was also a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights. He used his platform as an actor and author to raise awareness about the injustices faced by First Nations people in Canada and to promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
Chief Dan George was awarded the Order of Canada in 1971 for his contributions to the arts and his advocacy for Indigenous rights. He passed away on September 23, 1981, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in Indigenous arts and activism.
Accomplishments
Chief Dan George accomplished a lot in his lifetime. Here are a few of his major accomplishments:
- Acting Career: Chief Dan George began his acting career in the 1960s and went on to appear in several films and TV shows. He is perhaps best known for his role in the film “Little Big Man” (1970).
- Author: Chief Dan George was also an accomplished author and poet. He wrote several books, including “My Heart Soars,” which is a collection of his poems and reflections on life, nature, and spirituality.
- Indigenous Rights Activist: Chief Dan George was a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and spoke out about the injustices faced by First Nations people in Canada. He used his platform as an actor and author to raise awareness about these issues.
- Order of Canada: Chief Dan George was awarded the Order of Canada in 1971 for his contributions to the arts and his advocacy for Indigenous rights. The Order of Canada is one of the highest civilian honors in Canada.
- Legacy: Chief Dan George’s work as an actor, author, and activist has had a lasting impact on Indigenous culture in Canada. He is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of Indigenous artists and activists.
Quotes
Here are a few famous quotes from Chief Dan George:
- “The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, they speak to me. The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky, the rhythm of the sea, speaks to me. The faintness of the stars, the freshness of the morning, the dewdrop on the flower, speaks to me. The strength of the fire, the taste of salmon, the trail of the sun, and the life that never goes away, they speak to me. And my heart soars.”
- “May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears, and above all, may silence make you strong.”
- “The way animals were and the way they lived meant nothing to me as a child. It was not until later that I realized what had been lost.”
- “When you know who you are; when your mission is clear and you burn with the inner fire of unbreakable will; no cold can touch your heart; no deluge can dampen your purpose.”
- “The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions.”
Acting
Chief Dan George appeared in several movies throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable film appearances:
- The Trap (1966)
- Little Big Man (1970)
- Harry and Tonto (1974)
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
- Americathon (1979)
- Spirit of the Wind (1979)
- The Shadowmaker (1990, posthumous release)
In addition to his film work, Chief Dan George also appeared in several television shows, including “The Beachcombers” and “Kung Fu,” and he provided the voice of Chief in the animated film “The Fox and the Hound” (1981).
Books
Chief Dan George was an accomplished author and poet, and he wrote several books throughout his career. Here are some of his notable works:
- My Heart Soars (1974): This book is a collection of Chief Dan George’s poetry and reflections on life, nature, and spirituality. It includes his famous poem “My Heart Soars,” which expresses his love and appreciation for the natural world.
- You Call Me Chief: Impressions of the Life of Chief Dan George (1987): This book is a collection of writings about Chief Dan George’s life and legacy, including interviews, essays, and speeches. It provides insight into his activism and his impact on Indigenous culture in Canada.
- The Best of Chief Dan George (1993): This book is a compilation of Chief Dan George’s most famous speeches, essays, and poetry. It includes his thoughts on a wide range of topics, including Indigenous rights, environmentalism, and spirituality.
- The Spirit of the People: The Writings of Chief Dan George (1997): This book is a comprehensive collection of Chief Dan George’s writings, including his poetry, speeches, and essays. It offers a complete picture of his worldview and his contributions to Indigenous culture and activism.
- My Spirit Soars (2019): This posthumously released book is a collection of Chief Dan George’s poetry and reflections, compiled by his son, Chief Jesse Nighthawk George. It includes previously unpublished work and offers new insights into Chief Dan George’s creative process and spiritual beliefs.
Lagacy
Chief Dan George was married to his wife, Amy George, for over 50 years. They had seven children together: Robert, Leonard, Doreen, Barbara, Shirley, Chief Jesse Nighthawk, and Marlene.
Many members of Chief Dan George’s family were also involved in Indigenous activism and cultural preservation. Chief Jesse Nighthawk George, his son, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a prominent Indigenous leader and activist. Other family members were involved in the arts, education, and community building.
Today, Chief Dan George’s legacy is carried on by his descendants and by the many Indigenous people he inspired through his work as an actor, author, and activist. His contributions to Indigenous culture and rights continue to be celebrated and honored by people around the world.