Bourbonniere to receive Order of Manitoba

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This article was published 21/07/2020 (2206 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mitch Bourbonniere is humbled to be named among the 12 individuals who will receive this year’s Order of Manitoba.

On July 15, it was announced that the Old St. Vital resident is one of the dozen Manitobans in line to receive the honour. Other recipients include Stephen Borys, Mary Courchene, Krishnamurti Dakshinamurti, Bill Elliott, Richard Frost, Tina Jones, Marion Lewis, Margaret Morse, Stuart Murray, Scott Oake, and Ernest Rady.

According to a news release, the recipients are usually announced on May 12, which is Manitoba Day. This year’s announcement, which was delayed because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, coincided with the 150th anniversary of The Manitoba Act receiving royal ascent and becoming law, and the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Manitoba Legislative Building.

“The part I love most about this is the company I’m keeping by being on this year’s list,” Bourbonniere told The Lance.

“This list of recipients is an unbelievable group of people.”

Bourbonniere, who will turn 57 on Aug. 8, is a longtime educator and community activist, who has devoted a considerable amount of his career and personal time to mentoring, counselling and supporting at-risk youth. He currently does contract work with Mount Carmel Clinic and the North End Community Renewal Corporation. Last summer, he retired from his role as a half-time social worker with Louis Riel School Division.

A founding member of the original Bear Clan Patrol, Bourbonniere is also involved with the Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin program, also known as O.P.K. — which supports individuals ages 16 to 40 who want to make positive changes in their lives — as well as the Mama Bear Clan, Drag the Red, and a number of other organizations.

“Another reason this is humbling is that it’s in recognition of the community of helpers I do this with. I’m kind of the face of it, but it’s very much a collaborative effort,” Bourbonniere said.

 
“I’ve had a blessed life, and to serve others is very helpful to my own spirit.”

As well, Bourbonniere has received two Governor General awards for bravery and meritorious service, and the Canadian Humane Association’s bronze medal for bravery for jumping into a Winnipeg river to save a young woman’s life in December 2016.

According to the release, the Order of Manitoba was established in 1999 to honour Manitobans who have “demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.

A formal investiture ceremony will be held at a future date, subject to public health guidelines. Go online at manitobalg.ca for more information.