Lieutenant governor wins for public service

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Among the most contentious parts of Canada's history is the story of

Louis Riel. The Metis leader was executed and vilified a traitor for

100 years, only to be rehabilitated a patriot in the last decade. The

salvation of Riel's reputation was the work of many, but it was led by

His Honor W. Yvon Dumont, the lieutenant governor of Manitoba.

The official recognition of Louis Riel as a founder of the Province of

Manitoba by both the Canadian Parliament and the Manitoba legislature in

1992 assured Dumont a place in his people's and in Canada's history.

As a leader of the negotiations which transformed Riel from outlaw to

patriot, Dumont helped to focus national and international attention on

the often inaccurate historical perception of Aboriginal peoples.

Dumont was given the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for public

service for "his dedication to the advancement of his people in

historical and contemporary contexts."

"It's really an honor, but I accept it with mixed emotions," he said

after the awards ceremony. "Number one: I'm very happy, and very

honored. And number two: I wish I could share this award, which is an

honor given by the Aboriginal community itself. I wish I could share

this award-- I would if I could-- with all the people I've worked with

and beside, who've worked as hard as me, or harder, but not in as high

profile positions. They, too, deserve part of this award"

Dumont said that his proudest moment was when the Manitoba legislature

recognized Riel as a patriot and founder of Manitoba. He's had a number

of other moments to savor, however, and he's received many honors and

awards.

After being elected secretary-treasurer of his Metis local at the age

of 16, the now 54-year-old Metis was the founding vice-resident of the

native Council of Canada. He was elected president of the Manitoba

Metis Federation in 1984, and has been re-elected for three successive

terms. He was also president of the Metis national council from 1988 to

1993.

A father of three, Dumont has severed on the board of governors of the

University of Manitoba and was honored with the title of Knight of

Justice within The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of

Jerusalem in September of 1995. He was awarded a community services

award by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects in 1995, as well,

for his efforts at cleaning up Winnipeg's Seine River.

In March of 1993, his various active roles garnered him the further

distinction of being the first Metis person to assume the role of

lieutenant governor of the Province of Manitoba, a position which he

still holds.