Max Gros-Louis

Magella Gros-Louis (6 August 193114 November 2020), known as Max Gros-Louis or Oné Onti, was a Canadian politician and businessman in Quebec. For many years, he was Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat First Nation. He founded and directed various important organizations, which are dedicated to the culture and rights of the First Nations People in Canada.

Early life Gros-Louis was born on 6 August 1931, in Wendake, Quebec, which was then known as Huron Village Indian Reservation. Gros-Louis attended school in Loretteville, but left at age 16. As a youth Gros-Louis received the Wendat name Oné Onti, meaning "paddler".

Gros-Louis initially made a living by hunting, fishing and trapping on the Huron-Wendat First Nation's traditional lands. He later worked as a guide, leading people on similar expeditions. In the course of his business he travelled widely to other indigenous communities and this led to his involvement in politics. Gros-Louis was involved in creating the "Indians of Canada" pavilion at the Expo 67 world's fair in Montreal. In 1983 Gros-Louis represented First Nations Quebecers at federal constitutional conferences on aboriginal law. As Chief, he instituted a program to found businesses and create employment in his community. His first period as chief ended in 1984 but three years later he returned to the role, remaining until 1996.

Gros-Louis was once more elected Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation in 2004, and remained in that position until 2008, when he was defeated by Konrad Sioui. During his time as chief he worked to increase the size of the nation's territory, improve its international standing and to highlight maltreatment of indigenous people. During his political career he served as national vice-chief of the Assembly of First Nations, vice-chief of the North American Assembly of First Nations and vice-chief of the World Assembly of First Nations. In 2012, a book about the life of Gros-Louis, written by Alain Bouchard, Max Gros-Louis Le corbeau de Wendake, was published.

Gros-Louis was awarded as an officer of the National Order of Quebec and in December 2015, he was awarded the Order of Canada with the grade of officer. He also received honours from the Belgian l’Académie Diplomatique de la Paix and from France received the Legion of Honour and the National Order of Merit.