George R. D. Goulet facts for kids
George Richard Donald Goulet is a Canadian Métis author, historian, and activist. He is also a retired lawyer and has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions. He is known for his work in sharing the history and culture of the Métis people.
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About George Goulet
George Goulet was born on September 27, 1933, in Saint Boniface, Manitoba. He was the fifth of eight children. His family has deep roots in Canadian history, including ancestors like early French Canadian settlers and important figures from the Hudson's Bay Company.
Education and Learning
George went to St. Paul's High School in Winnipeg. He studied at the University of Manitoba, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a law degree. He later received a Master of Laws degree from the University of Toronto.
His Work and Books
George Goulet is a well-known author of several history books. Many of his books focus on Métis history and important Canadian figures.
Books He Wrote
Some of his books include:
- The Trial of Louis Riel: Justice and Mercy Denied
- The Metis: Memorable Events and Memorable Personalities (co-written with his wife, Terry Goulet)
- Louis Hebert and Marie Rollet: Canada's Premier Pioneers (co-written with his wife, Terry Goulet)
George and Terry Goulet often speak at schools, universities, and public events. They shared their knowledge at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. They also spoke at universities in Scotland and England about the rights of the Métis people.
Working with Métis Organizations
In 2007, the Métis Nation of British Columbia asked George and Terry to write a book. This book was about the history of the Métis people in British Columbia. It was called The Metis in British Columbia: From Fur Trade Outposts to Colony. They also worked as history experts for the BC Metis Federation.
In 2008, George spoke at a special event in Saint Boniface. This event honored Elzéar Goulet, a Métis hero. George is a relative of Elzéar Goulet.
A special scholarship was created in their honor at the University of Calgary. It is called the George and Terry Goulet Bursary in Canadian History.
Speaking Up for Rights
George and Terry Goulet are strong supporters of Louis Riel. They believe that Riel, a Métis leader, should be officially cleared of wrongdoing. George has said that Riel's execution was "a case of both justice and mercy denied."
In 2012, George and Terry spoke to the Senate of Canada. They talked about how Métis identity is recognized in Canada.
They also strongly support the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In 2018, they wrote a paper. It argued that the Canadian government should uphold this important declaration.
See also
- List of Canadian historians
- Notable Aboriginal people of Canada
