Chief Dan George was a renowned actor, poet, and activist who championed the rights and culture of Indigenous people in Canada. He was also a former chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, a Coast Salish band whose reserve is located on Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia. He is best remembered for his Oscar-nominated performance as Old Lodge Skins in the film Little Big Man (1970), and for his poetic works such as My Heart Soars (1974). He died on September 23, 1981, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of artistic and political achievements.
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The Life and Career of Chief Dan George
Chief Dan George was born as Geswanouth Slahoot on July 24, 1899, on the Burrard Indian Reserve No. 3. His English name was originally Dan Slaholt, but it was changed to George when he entered a residential school at age five. There, he was discouraged from speaking his native language and practicing his traditional customs. He later worked as a longshoreman, construction worker, and school bus driver, before becoming the chief of his band from 1951 to 1963.
He began his acting career at age 60, when he landed the role of Ol’ Antoine in the CBC television series Cariboo Country (1960). He reprised the same role in the Walt Disney film Smith! (1969), starring Glenn Ford. His breakthrough came in 1970, when he played Old Lodge Skins, a wise and humorous Cheyenne chief, in Arthur Penn’s Little Big Man, opposite Dustin Hoffman. His performance earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
He continued to act in films and television shows, such as The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), The Beachcombers (1972-1981), and Kung Fu (1973). He also appeared on stage, notably in George Ryga’s The Ecstasy of Rita Joe (1967), a play about the plight of urban Indigenous people. He also wrote and recorded songs and poems, expressing his love for nature and his hope for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Some of his most famous poems are “My Heart Soars”, “Lament for Confederation”, and “Song of the Loom”.
The Cause and Circumstances of His Death
In the summer of 1980, Chief Dan George fell and injured his hip, an injury that he never fully recovered from. He spent the next year in and out of hospitals, suffering from various complications. On September 23, 1981, he died peacefully in his sleep at the Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver. According to Wikipedia, the cause of death was heart failure.
His funeral was held on September 29, 1981, at the St. Paul’s Indian Church on the Burrard Reserve. It was attended by hundreds of people, including family members, friends, fellow actors, politicians, and dignitaries. He was buried in the cemetery next to the church, where a simple wooden cross marks his grave.
His death was mourned by many people across Canada and beyond, who recognized him as a symbol of Indigenous pride and resilience. He was praised for his artistic talent, his cultural wisdom, and his political activism. He was also honored with various awards and tributes, such as the Order of Canada (1971), the Golden Plate Award (1972), and the naming of a park and a school after him.
The Legacy of Chief Dan George
Chief Dan George left behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence people today. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential Indigenous figures in Canadian history, who helped raise awareness and respect for Indigenous issues and culture. He is also remembered as one of the finest actors and poets of his generation, who brought humor, grace, and dignity to his roles and writings.
His family and friends have carried on his spirit and vision through various initiatives and projects. His son Leonard George became the chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation after him, and led several environmental and economic initiatives for his community. His granddaughter Charlene Aleck is also a leader and spokesperson for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. His grandson Rueben George is an activist and filmmaker who has been involved in opposing the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.
His works have also been preserved and celebrated by various institutions and organizations. His poems have been anthologized and translated into several languages. His films have been screened and studied in various festivals and courses. His life story has been documented in books and documentaries. His speeches have been quoted and referenced by many leaders and activists.
Chief Dan George was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life. He overcame many hardships and challenges to become a respected and beloved figure in Canadian society. He used his voice and his art to speak for his people and his land. He died as he lived, with grace and courage. He is a source of pride and inspiration for many people, especially for Indigenous people, who see him as a role model and a hero.
