Stanley Joseph Daniels was born at St. Paul de Metis, Alberta October 11, 1924, the eldest of fourteen children. His parents were Joseph Victor Daniels and Mary Jane Daniels. He married Christine Whiskeyjack, an Indigenous woman from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation Reserve in December 1949. They had four daughters: Dorothy, Teresa, Frances and Jo-Ann.

Stan Daniels served in the Canadian Army in the Second World War. After his marriage, he worked on the oil rigs and in construction. On July 1, 1966, he was hired as the first field worker for the proposed Alberta Native Federation. On October 28, 1966, he was appointed to investigate the deplorable conditions experienced by Indigenous peoples at Fox Lake. He continued his work for the Indigenous peoples movement in Alberta and Canada, including three terms as President of the Metis Association of Alberta from 1967 to 1971, 1972 to 1975 and 1977 to 1979.

Stan Daniels' family was also involved in Indigenous organizations. His daughter Jo-Ann served as the Vice-President of the Metis Association of Alberta; the first woman to serve in an elected Executive position in the 57 year history of the organization. Stan Daniels' wife, Christine Daniels, was involved in the Voice of Alberta Native Women's Society.

Some other organizations in which Mr. Daniels served were the National Indian Council, Alberta Native Communications Society (founding member), Poundmakers Lodge, Native Council of Canada, Alberta Native Development Corporation (founder), Native People's Credit Union (founding member) and Alberta Native Education Foundation (founder).

Stan Daniels died January 27, 1983 in Edmonton, Alberta.