André Michel, M.S.M., Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
It was with the aim of promoting and providing a better appreciation of Aboriginal life and culture that world-renowned painter, sculptor and cultural ambassador André Michel established la Maison des cultures amérindiennes in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec. Since its opening, more than 20 000 people have visited the exhibitions, or attended animation workshops, conferences and gastronomic tastings at this facility, the only one of its kind located outside a reserve in Canada. Mr. Michel’s objective is to help visitors become more aware of the social context of Native people today and to foster mutual understanding.