News
Four to be Invested into The Order of Gabriel Dumont
Feb 28, 2025
Posted in: achievement, GDI, Métis, Michif, Order of Gabriel Dumont, recognition
Since the 1980s, the Order of Gabriel Dumont, awarded by the Gabriel Dumont Institute, to a small number of persons who have serviced the Métis of Canada with distinction. Investment into the Order is one of the Métis Nation’s highest civilian honours. To date, 108 individuals have been invested in the Order including community leaders, language keepers, political advocates, activists, artists, business persons, educators, healthcare workers, and those who have dedicated their lives to the success of the Métis people selflessly and without thought of recognition.
The Order of Gabriel Dumont Gold Medal recognizes those who have distinguished themselves with outstanding service to the Métis. The Gold medal is awarded based on lifetime achievements and services. Past winners have provided the Métis with a lifetime of exceptional service in areas such as education, politics, health care, community development, and culture. Many made lasting contributions affecting future generations of Métis, including decisions instrumental in securing our legal rights. Others made a difference on the community front, for instance, Mary St. Pierre, midwife to the Métis and keeper of culture, language, and traditions. She provided her services without thought of recognition but as a service over her lifetime to the Métis of her area.
The Order of Gabriel Dumont Silver Medal honours those who have made a significant contribution to the Métis. The Silver medal has been presented to community leaders, activists, artists, business persons, and contributors active in the Métis community. Their contributions, have spanned several years and may have been in many areas, or focused more in a single area, such as economic development or artistic activities. Recipients of the Silver medals tend to be those still active in their endeavors to contribute to the Métis.
THE ORDER OF GABRIEL DUMONT—GOLD
Photo credit: Nicole Romanoff
Rita Bouvier — Saskatoon, SK
Rita Bouvier is a Métis writer, editor, and retired educator with 37 years in public education. She has held significant leadership roles, including Director of the Gabriel Dumont Institute’s Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP), senior administrator with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation and Coordinator of the Canadian Council on Learning’s Aboriginal Learning Knowledge Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. She is the author of several acclaimed poetry collections that explore themes of Métis identity, language, and connection to the land. Her poetry has been featured in various literary anthologies and journals—both print and online—as well as in musicals and television productions. Rita’s fourth book of poetry, a beautiful rebellion, was released in April 2023 by Thistledown Press.
Additionally, her work has been translated into Spanish, German, and Cree-Michif—the language of her home community of sakitawak (Île-à-la-Crosse), Saskatchewan, Canada, which is located on the historic trading and meeting grounds of the Cree and Dene peoples (Treaty 10). Rita has contributed as a speaker, editor and author to numerous essays and books focused on Indigenous education. She actively supports communities and organizations in their decolonization efforts. Currently, Rita volunteers with the Saskatchewan Ânskohk Writers Circle Inc., the Indigenous Editors Association, and the League of Canadian Poets.
Dr. Cheryl Troupe — Saskatoon, SK
Dr. Cheryl Troupe has Métis family roots connected to the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan area but has called Saskatoon home for the last 30 years. Cheryl is a dedicated community worker, accomplished scholar, and a champion for Métis history, culture, and stories. Cheryl began her work in community research through the Gabriel Dumont Institute and has spent the last 25 years being mentored by Elders, knowledge keepers, and cultural teachers. She credits their generosity for being able to do the work she does. She is currently a professor of History at the University of Saskatchewan and Director of the History Department’s Community Engaged research lab. Cheryl is an active Council member of Gabriel Dumont Local #11. She also served as Chair of the John Arcand Fiddle Fest for over a decade and co-wrote a biography of John Arcand and the festival. Through her research and writing, Cheryl works to uplift Métis voices, focusing on Métis women’s work in community formation and maintenance, and Métis experiences in road allowance communities. Her most recent monograph, Putting Down Roots, focuses on Métis agency, land tenure, and women’s food labour in the Qu’Appelle Valley and is set to be released in April 2025. She is an avid beadworker and has had her work shown at Batoche National Historic Site and the Remai Modern Art Gallery in Saskatoon. She has co-curated two exhibits of Métis material culture at Batoche National Historic Site and regularly volunteers with Parks Canada in an advisory capacity. She was one of four co-leads for the final installation of Walking With Our Sisters Commemorative Art Installation and Ceremony, held at Batoche in summer 2019.
THE ORDER OF GABRIEL DUMONT—SILVER
Photo credit: Mika Abbott
David Garneau — Regina, SK
David Garneau is a painter, curator, and writer who engages creative, and critical expressions of Indigenous contemporary ways of knowing, being, and doing. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he is currently a Professor of Visual Arts at the University of Regina. In 2023, he received the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Art: Outstanding Achievement and was inducted into the Royal Society of Canada. His paintings are in numerous public and private collections. David’s contributions to the Métis community extend far beyond his artwork. He has curated dozens of exhibitions throughout Canada and internationally and has given several keynotes on re/conciliation, museums, Indigenous contemporary, and public art. His performance, Dear John, featuring the spirit of Louis Riel meeting with John A. Macdonald statues, was presented in Regina, Kingston, and Ottawa. David also recently installed a large public artwork, the Tawatina Bridge paintings, in Edmonton and designed the Riel Commemorative Silver Dollar for the Canadian Mint. David continues to expand his artistic and intellectual contributions to Métis culture. His painting exhibition, Dark Chapters, will tour Canada in 2025-2028, Chapters: Reading the Still Lives of David Garneau, a collection of poems and essays by seventeen authors (University Regina Press), launches in March 2025, and a collection of his critical texts will be published in 2026 by Concordia University Press.
Chandrelle Marshall — Saskatoon, SK
Chandrelle Marshall is a proud SUNTEP graduate, wife, and mother, who was born and raised in Saskatoon. She has dedicated 19 years to the field of education and her community. She currently holds a senior position in Métis/Michif Education and Community Engagement within Saskatoon Public Schools. Chandrelle played an instrumental role in the creation of the Métis/Michif culture program for Saskatoon Public Schools and is a fierce advocate for Métis/Michif education. She builds strong community partnerships and fosters collaboration to ensure authentic voices are heard. She weaves traditional ways of knowing and being into education by creating meaningful curricular connections, delivering professional development, designing culturally rich lessons, organizing impactful events, and providing leadership opportunities. She ensures that language and traditions are not only preserved but also actively integrated into the educational experiences of students. Her dedication to her community and her unwavering commitment to education make her a respected and powerful voice for Métis/Michif education and community. Her work continues to inspire and impact the lives of many, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of our people is celebrated and preserved for future generations.
