Billy Diamond

Billy Diamond was born to Hilda and Malcolm Diamond on May 17, 1949, in a tent near Rupert House, Quebec, on the shore of James Bay. He grew up in the Cree Nation of Waskaganish (then Rupert House) until being forced to attend Bishop Horden Hall, a residential school in Moose Factory, Ontario. Diamond recalled that his hair was cut for the first time in his life immediately upon arrival, and the clothes his mother gave him were confiscated. Additionally, the students were punished if they attempted to communicate to each other in Cree. Despite these circumstances, Diamond achieved leadership awards while becoming interested in a variety of academic topics. As a teenager, he attended high school in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where he organized an Indian Students Council.

Billy Diamond and his wife Elizabeth had six children. Later in life, he became a devout Christian.

Diamond returned to Waskaganish after high school, serving as the Band Manager during the 1960s. Although he personally hoped to attend law school, Diamond followed his father's wishes and successfully ran for Chief. He was elected in 1970 at 21 years old, the youngest Chief in Canada at that time. He helped to establish the Grand Council of the Crees in 1974, of which he was elected Grand Chief at age 23. As such, he represented Quebec Crees in the Assembly of First Nations. Diamond also helped to negotiate Sections 25 and 35 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms from 1980 to 1983.