Dr. Matthew Coon Come
Special Advisory to the Board

Matthew Coon Come is a national and international indigenous leader and advocate for the aboriginal, treaty and other human rights of indigenous peoples in Canada and internationally.

Matthew was former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations from 2000 to 2003. He is currently an advisor to the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee).

Matthew came to the position of National Chief from the position of Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees in Quebec. He was first elected as Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees and Chairman of the Cree Regional Authority in 1987. He became known throughout Canada for his efforts to end the federal policy of extinguishment of aboriginal peoples' human rights of self-determination. Matthew was re-elected by the James Bay Cree People through four successive terms as Grand Chief.

Matthew has been a Director of Aircreebec; Creeco (Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company); the Cree Construction Company; Servinor; the James Bay Cree Cultural Education Centre; the Centre for Indigenous Environment Resources; and the Cree School Board.

Matthew was awarded the Goldman prize for leadership in issues relating to international environmental, human rights and tribal communities. In addition to the Goldman Prize, he also recieved the Equinox Environmental Award and the Conde Naste Environmental Award.

Matthew has studied political science, economics, native studies and courses in law at Trent and McGill Universities, and also undertaken theological studies in the United States following his tenure as National Chief in 2003. In 1998, Trent University granted him the degree of "Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa" in further recognition of the significance of his work, and in 2000, the University of Toronto also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws. He also received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1995.