Terry Fox, soon to be featured on Canada’s five-dollar bill, has deep Indigenous roots linked to his Métis grandmother, Marie Anne Gladu. The Gladu family, originally from Mauricie, faced significant challenges throughout history, including the Red River Rebellion. Marie Anne concealed her Indigenous heritage, which was revealed posthumously. Terry, born in Winnipeg, embodies the resilience and generosity of his ancestors, highlighting the importance of acknowledging Indigenous histories within Canada’s narrative.
Terry Fox: A Legacy Interwoven with Indigenous Roots
The young and inspiring Terry Fox is set to take the place of Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier on the Canadian five-dollar bill. While his name resonates widely across Canada, including Quebec, many may not be aware that he hails from a rich cultural heritage. Terry is a descendant of the Gladu family, linked to his Métis grandmother, Marie Anne Gladu (1910-2001). Born from a diaspora lineage, his story is a fascinating piece of Canada’s history.
The Gladu Family Journey
The Gladu family, originally from the Mauricie region, made their way to Manitoba in the late 1700s. They sought refuge in North Dakota during the Red River Rebellion led by Louis Riel, but returned to Canada in the early 1900s. Their experiences reflect the broader struggles of the Métis people, who faced constant upheaval due to the encroachment of British settlers and assimilationist policies.
Throughout her life, Marie Anne kept her Indigenous ancestry a secret, even from her own children. It wasn’t until after her passing that a document from the Manitoba government surfaced, confirming her Métis identity. Derrel Fox, Terry’s brother, noted in a 2018 interview with the Globe and Mail, “I think it was just normal at the time, that people didn’t talk about their Indigenous roots for all that it could imply later, the whole racial question.” He went on to describe his grandmother as “helpful and generous,” qualities that shone through in Terry’s character, particularly after his cancer diagnosis.
Terry Fox was born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, as the second child of Rolland (Rolly) Murray Fox (1935-2016) and Betty Wark (1937-2011). His maternal lineage traces back to Marie Anne Gladu, connecting him to a rich tapestry of history and heritage.
The Gladu ancestry can be traced to Jean Gladu dit Cognac (1637-1684), who arrived in Quebec in 1656. His remarkable journey from France to Canada laid the foundation for generations to come. The family’s history is filled with tales of resilience and adaptation, navigating the complexities of life in a changing world.
As we celebrate Terry Fox’s legacy, we also honor the rich history of the Gladu family, whose stories reflect the broader narrative of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The intertwining of their lives showcases the importance of understanding and acknowledging our roots as we move forward.