Chief Dan George was born in 1899 on the Coast Salish Burrard Reserve in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where he spent his childhood fishing, gathering herbs and berries, and learning the crafts and traditional ways of his tribe. After working as a logger for three years and a longshoreman for 28 years, Chief Dan George formed a small dance band and began entertaining in Clubs around Vancouver. During this period he was elected Chief of his Reserve and served for 12 years in this capacity.
In the 1960s, Chief Dan George began his career in television, radio, film, and the theatre. He is probably best remembered for his leading role in the classic Canadian Drama "The Ecstasy of Rita Joe"; the role of Old Lodgeskins in "Little Big Man", which earned him an academy award nomination as Best Supporting Actor in1971; and his role as the old Indian in "Harry and Tonto". In addition, in 1974 he wrote, My Heart Soars, which has sold 65,000 copies.
In 1981 Chief Dan George died at the age of 82. At his burial, which was attended by thousands of mourners, an eagle soared over the open grave, as if to symbolize the departing spirit of Chief Dan George.
LEP #1360, 1019, 811, 1336, 1013, 1015,1016,1017 & 1018/1500
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