Press Releases

For Immediate Release
May 14, 2018

TREATY ONE TERRITORY, MB. _ On Monday, May 14, Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick.

The university has a long tradition of offering honorary degrees at convocation to individuals who reflect the vision and values of the Mount Allison community.

“I am very humbled by this honour. To receive this from my alma mater is quite overwhelming,” said Dumas.

Dumas was raised by his grandfather on the trap-line where he was taught the culture, traditions, and practices of Missinnippi Nehethowak — the Cree people. It is his strong grounding in his language and ceremony that has helped him become the leader he is today.

He was first elected to Council of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation in 2004 and was elected as Chief in 2008 where he held this elected position for almost a decade.  During his tenure as Chief, he made significant advancements for his community in the areas of health, housing, governance, and economic development.

Seeing his strong leadership and his commitment to working together in unity for the benefit of all First Nations, he was supported by his colleagues to sit as Grand Chief and Vice Grand Chief of the Swampy Cree Tribal Council, as well as Vice Grand Chief and Executive on Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) representing northern First Nations.  He then made a successful run for the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in July 2017 where he won the election in the first ballot.

A Mount Allison University honorary degree is awarded to those who are nationally or internationally recognized in their fields, those who have demonstrated service to Mount Allison or the wider community, or prominent public persons.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs wishes to congratulate Grand Chief Arlen Dumas on this momentous occasion.