The Honourable Len Marchand, a member of the Okanagan Indian Band, had a distinguished career in Parliament, in Cabinet and in the Senate prior to his retirement in 1998.

Len Marchand advocated for a stronger role for First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canadian political life. He was the first and only First Nations person to be elected to the House of Commons from British Columbia and he was elected three times. In Ottawa, he was appointed as a parliamentary secretary, as a minister of state and as Minister of the Environment.

Mr. Marchand was able to influence Canadian policy from the inside in a way that no other Aboriginal Canadian had ever been able to. He was a passionate representative of Native people. After being appointed to the Senate he continued to advocate for and support the movement toward justice for all First Nations.

He strived to make Canada a better place at a time when he was basically alone in institutions that did not include First Nations in their considerations. He was not deterred by racism, prejudice or other obstacles. He also helped establish one of BC’s first Aboriginal drug and alcohol treatment centres.

Len Marchand is a member of the Order of Canada. He received an honorary doctorate from Thompson Rivers University and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee awards.