Yvon Dumont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yvon Dumont
OM
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| 21st Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba | |
| In office March 5, 1993 – March 2, 1999 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Ray Hnatyshyn Roméo LeBlanc |
| Premier | Gary Filmon |
| Preceded by | George Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Peter Liba |
| President of the Métis National Council | |
| In office 1988–1993 |
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| Succeeded by | Gerald Morin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 21, 1951 St. Laurent, Manitoba |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | small business owner, community organizer |
| Profession | Politician |
W. Yvon Dumont, born on January 21, 1951, is a well-known politician from Manitoba, Canada. He made history in 1993 by becoming the first person of Métis heritage to serve as the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. This important role represents the King or Queen in the province. He was the 21st person to hold this position.
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Early Life and Community Work
Yvon Dumont was born in St. Laurent, Manitoba. From a young age, he became very involved in his community.
Leading the Métis Community
In 1967, Dumont joined the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF). This organization works to support and represent Métis people in Manitoba. He quickly took on leadership roles.
- In 1972, he became the director for the Interlake region.
- In 1973, he was chosen as the Executive Vice-President of the MMF.
- From 1984 to 1993, he served as the President of the MMF.
National Métis Leadership
Dumont also helped start the Native Council of Canada in 1972. He was also the President of the Métis National Council from 1988 to 1993. This council represents Métis people across Canada.
He often spoke for the MMF at important meetings with Canada's leaders. These were called First Ministers' conferences. He also played a big part in talks about the Canadian Constitution. These talks focused on the rights of First Nations and Métis peoples. Dumont believed it was important for Métis services to stay separate. He wanted to make sure the unique culture of the Métis was not lost.
Other Contributions
Besides his work with Métis organizations, Dumont was also a local councillor in St. Laurent. He also served on the Board of Governors for the University of Manitoba. His hard work was recognized with several awards. He received a Manitoba Métis Federation Award in 1993. In 1996, he received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. This award is now known as the Indspire Awards.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
In 1993, Yvon Dumont was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. This was a very important moment for Métis people. His appointment happened at a time when people were rethinking the role of Louis Riel. Riel was a Métis leader who helped create Manitoba.
Louis Riel's Legacy
For many years, Louis Riel was seen as a rebel. But more recently, he has been recognized as a Father of Confederation. This is because of his role in setting up a government in the Red River Colony. Dumont's appointment as Lieutenant Governor showed this change in how Riel was viewed. It was a sign of respect for Métis history and leaders.
Role as Lieutenant Governor
The job of Lieutenant Governor is mostly ceremonial. This means that while it is a very important position, it does not involve making many political decisions. Dumont had little direct influence over the government at the time. The government was led by the Progressive Conservative party, with Gary Filmon as Premier.
Later Life and Recognition
In 2001, Dumont was appointed to the Order of Manitoba. This is a high honour given to people who have made great contributions to the province. In 2003, he ran again for the leadership of the MMF. However, he was not successful and was defeated by David Chartrand.
