The historical figure known for his role as the first prime minister of Canada is Sir John A. Macdonald. Serving from 1867 to 1873 and then again from 1878 to 1891, Macdonald was a foundational architect of Canadian Confederation. His policies and vision helped to unite the provinces into a cohesive nation. However, his legacy is complex, as it is also marked by his controversial views and policies towards Indigenous Peoples, raising ongoing discussions about governance and national identity in Canada.