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Tom FlanaganAmerican-born Canadian writer, professor
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Academic Career
- Political Activism
- Challenging Historical Narratives
- Conservative Ideology
- Influence and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Tom Flanagan was born on March 5, 1944, in Ottawa, Illinois, USA. He earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana before pursuing graduate studies in political science at Duke University in North Carolina. He received his M.A. in 1967 and his Ph.D. in 1970, studying under John Hallowell. Flanagan also studied at the Free University of Berlin.
Academic Career
In 1968, Flanagan began teaching at the University of Calgary, where he co-authored an introductory textbook on Canadian politics. He served as the chair of the Department of Political Science and as an assistant to the university's president. Flanagan went on "research and scholarly leave" in January 2013 and officially retired on June 30, 2013.
Political Activism
In addition to his academic pursuits, Flanagan has been actively involved in politics. He served as an advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper until 2004. He was also the campaign manager for the Wildrose Party, a libertarian/conservative provincial party in Alberta, during the 2012 provincial election.
Challenging Historical Narratives
Flanagan is known for his controversial views on the history of Indigenous peoples and Métis rights. He has published extensively on the role of Louis Riel, the leader of the 1885 North-West Resistance, and has argued in favor of the federal government's response to Métis land claims. Flanagan's work has challenged conventional historical interpretations and sparked debate among scholars.
Conservative Ideology
Flanagan is a self-identified conservative and has been a vocal opponent of Aboriginal rights. He has argued against collective Aboriginal rights and has criticized the role of the courts in adjudicating Aboriginal land claims and residential school compensation cases. Flanagan believes that the courts have overstepped their authority and that these issues should be resolved through the political process.
Influence and Legacy
Flanagan's work has been influential in Canadian political discourse, particularly among conservative politicians and commentators. He has been credited with contributing to the rise of conservative ideas in Canada. His writings on Aboriginal rights and political ideology have sparked controversy and continue to be debated today.
