W. Yvon Dumont

W. Yvon Dumont

Public Service (1996)

You can rewrite history.  Yvon Dumont proved that.  The official recognition of Louis Riel as a founder of the Province of Manitoba by both the Canadian and Manitoba Parliaments in 1992, assured Mr. Dumont a place in his people’s and Canada’s history.  As a leader of the negotiations which transformed Riel from outlaw to patriot in 1992, Mr. Dumont helped focus national and international attention on the often inaccurate historical perception of Aboriginal peoples.  The impact of that singular accomplishment will be felt for generations.  Later, in March of 1993, his advocacy would garner him the distinction of being the first Metis person to assume the role of Lt. Governor of the Province of Manitoba.  The 54 year old Metis was the founding Vice-President of the Native Council of Canada.  Elected President of the Manitoba Metis Federation in 1984 and re-elected for three successive terms, he also served as President of the Metis National Council from 1988 to 1993.  A father of three, Mr. Dumont has served on the Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba and was honoured with the title of Knight of Justice within The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in September of 1995.  His efforts at cleaning up Winnipeg Seine River earned him a Community Service Award from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects in 1995.  His received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for his dedication to the advancement of his people in historical and contemporary contexts.