Francis Perry was born afflicted with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a condition caused by his mother consuming alcohol while carrying him in her womb. Born a First Nations Mi'kmaq, Francis was adopted following the accidental death of his mother, and grew up in Southwestern Nova Scotia. Following a difficult childhood, he was diagnosed as a teen as having FAS, and as an adult teamed with Della McGuire of the First Nations Healing Society to present workshops about the damage FAS and FAE (Fetal Alcohol Effects) are having on children, particularly those of First Nations heritage.

Francis is a dynamic speaker, telling the story of his early life in a vivid, sometimes humorous, and sometimes heart-wrenching style. He is a sought-after speaker for workshops focusing on this serious health issue, and has spoken to groups in almost every province and territory in Canada. He has been interviewed by CBC radio, had a half-hour documentary produced about his life on APTN, was the inspiration for an award winning play by a New Brunswick school, and has been featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles.

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UPDATE June, 2009: Francis had an accident with his bicycle on
June 5. He was following a vehicle downhill and didn't notice it stopped. When he jammed on the brakes, the bicycle pitch-poled over the front wheel and he flew through the air and landed on his hip. The hip socket broke out the back of the pelvis, and in an operation June 8 the doctors repositioned it and used a plate and screws. He has to be off the leg for at least 6 weeks, possibly more. It's unlikely he will be able to travel easily nor do any presentations until at least August. He will be travelling by ambulance to his parents' home in Barrington, NS to stay for the next while. (Cards can be sent to Box 141, Barrington, NS B0W 1E0)