Tim Fontaine
APTN National News
A prominent Metis figure has passed away. Father Guy Lavallee was 74 years old.
Born in St. Laurent, MB in 1939, supporters say Lavallee was a well-known and passionate advocate for Metis culture, language and rights. However, he was also known as a defender of Manitoba’s French-speaking peoples.
Lavallee was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1968, becoming a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He was often called on to officiate at Metis events across the country and spoke to the media about issues affecting the Metis.
A founding member of the Manitoba Metis Federation, Lavallee also worked for several indigenous organizations including the Winnipeg Indian & Metis Friendship Centre and the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations). He was also involved with the Native Council of Canada and in 1992 was named the official priest of the Metis National Council.
In recent years, Lavallee was involved with the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada. While he was honest about the role his church played in the abuses his people suffered in the residential school system, Father Lavallee also spoke of the need for healing and forgiveness.
Funeral services are being held at the St. Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg on October 31, 2014. Father Guy Lavallee’s ashes will be buried in the Metis community of St. Laurent, MB.
