The Manito Ahbee Festival is so proud to congratulate two members of our Board of Governors who have each received a notable honour. 

 

Longtime Board member Phil Fontaine recently received the prestigious Order of Canada, while young groundbreaker Alan Greyeyes was just named a Future Leader of Manitoba. 

 

“It is so humbling to know our Governors are making a difference,” says Lisa Meeches, Executive Director of the Manito Ahbee Festival. “Each person who touches Manito Ahbee works so hard to make our own Festival succeed and make an impact. To see the work Alan and Phil have done for both us and the other organizations they are involved in is just so inspiring.”  

 

Fontaine, who served three terms as Assembly of First Nations National Chief is already a Member of the Order of Manitoba and has also previously been awarded the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (1996) and the Equitas Human Rights Education Award (2010).  He currently serves as the Senior Advisor at Norton Rose law firm and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada – one of the highest civilian honours a Canadian can receive – for his lifetime of achievement and public service dedication to the country.

 

"On behalf of the Manito Ahbee Board of Governors, we extend our sincere congratulations to Phil Fontaine on receiving the Order of Canada,” says fellow Manito Ahbee Board Member Sharon Redsky. “I have been very fortunate to sit with Phil on the Board of Governors and have the highest respect for him. Phil has dedicated his life as an advocate for First Nations and we celebrate as he is honoured with this prestigious award."

 

Alan Greyeyes received his Future Leader of Manitoba Award for his many contributions to the arts community. (The award recognizes and honours a young Manitoban who is both making a name for himself and giving back to the community.)  Greyeyes is not only Manito Ahbee’s vice-chairperson but also chairs Aboriginal Music Manitoba and is an active member of the National Advisory Board for the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (Canada’s national funding agency for the music industry).  During the day, he works fulltime as the Aboriginal Music Progam Coordinator for Manitoba Music. 

 

“Alan Greyeyes has been a driving force on the Manitoba music scene for the past decade, helping countless artists with opportunities to follow their dreams,” said Manitoba Deputy Premier Eric Robinson, who worked with Greyeyes to ensure the Manito Ahbee Festival maximized opportunities for young Manitoba artists.  “Under Alan’s leadership, the Aboriginal Music Program and Manito Ahbee Music Week have flourished. His work has helped local artists launch their careers and put Manitoba at the forefront of an exciting renaissance of Aboriginal arts and culture that is gaining steam across turtle Island and beyond. I can’t think of an individual more deserving of this honour.”

 

Congratulations Phil on this prestigious honour- you are one of Manitoba’s finest ambassadors.”