Howard Adams

Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research (GDI) has released a book detailing the life and contributions of Metis leader and academic Howard Adams. This volume includes his writings as well as insights from others regarding his impactful influence on Metis communities worldwide.

Adams was a respected academic who wrote extensively on Canadian history and Indigenous issues, such as Prison of Grass: Canada from a Native Perspective and A Tortured People: The Politics of Colonization. At one point he held both positions: professor emeritus at University of California Davis and adjunct faculty member for University of Alberta’s graduate program for First Nations education.

Early Life and Education

Howard Adams was the first Metis person ever to earn a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley and served as an academic and activist throughout his life. Additionally, he taught at both universities in Saskatchewan, was university emeritus at Davis, and adjunct faculty for University of Alberta’s graduate program in First Nations Education.

He was an ardent proponent of Aboriginal self-determination, outraged at centuries of colonization and subordination of Indigenous peoples to mainstream society in Canada. His work was influential; among its contributions being creating Indigenous colonization theory for Canadian context.

Professional Career

Howard Adams was an influential educator, consultant and author who had an immense impact on many chiropractic and medical scholars’ careers.

H.G. Adams was an alumni of Norfolk Division of Virginia State College (now Norfolk State University), serving as its first Director of Alumni Affairs before going on to form H.G. Adams & Associates Inc, an HR consulting firm.

He taught biology at Jacox Junior High School of Norfolk City Schools System. In 1978, he established National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science Inc, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing minority student enrollment in engineering and science fields. He remains board member for this organization while serving as keynote speaker and seminar presenter.

Achievement and Honors

Howard Adams served as an academic, political leader, and writer to raise the consciousness of Indigenous people in society and fight for decolonization and self-determination. His activism symbolized this struggle for Indigenous liberation.

At various points throughout his career, he was recognized for his achievements and contributions with various honors and awards such as the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1999 and several from the University of Saskatchewan.

Metis Leader, Professor, and Writer

Personal Life

Howard Adams was an educator and activist born September 8, 1921 in St. Louis, Saskatchewan – an area settled by Metis people during the late 19th Century. His mother was French-Cree and his father English-Cree.

After graduating high school, he attended the University of California Berkeley where he obtained a PhD. Returning home, in 1969 he taught at the University of Saskatchewan.

Prison of Grass: Canada from a Native Perspective was one of the first Indigenous books that addressed Canada’s indigenous and Metis people from a Marxist viewpoint. It drew national and international acclaim.

Net Worth

Howard Adams is an renowned chess player with an estimated net worth estimated to be approximately $6 Million. This sum comes mainly from income earned from playing in matches and receiving prizes for winning those chess battles.

He is one of the most acclaimed English grandmasters, having competed in multiple championships and showing excellent performances.

His father was a farmer and taught him the value of hard work and discipline. To assist his family he helped sell meat and vegetables at local markets.

He earned his undergraduate degree at Norfolk State College with a focus on biology, where he participated in campus activities such as student government and ROTC military science programs as a member. During his senior year of study he also worked as kitchen helper in fast food restaurant.