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Ken Dillen - MLA 1973 to 1977 - an Indigenous pathfinder

 March 1, I spoke in the Manitoba Legislature in tribute to Ken Dillon a pathfinding Indigenous MLA who served in the Manitoba Legislature from 1973 to 1977.

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I rise pay tribute to Ken Dillen. Along the north shore of Lake Huron, the com­mu­nity of Cutler and not far from Spanish on the Serpent River First Nation, Ken Dillen was born and raised.

      After his edu­ca­tion in Sault Ste. Marie and then at the Canadian Army apprentice training school in Camp Borden, he moved to southern Manitoba. He married Esther. They were here for a number of years and then to improve the circum­stances financially of his family, they moved to Thompson.

      He was trained as an iron worker and he worked at Inco, at the nickel mine in Thompson and rose fairly quickly to become the president of the United Steelworkers Local 6166.

      From 1973 to 1977, he served as the MLA for Thompson. He was, at that time, the only Indigenous MLA who was elected and he was the first Indigenous MLA for some time. He was the legis­lative assist­ant to Ed Schreyer.  He spoke parti­cularly on labour and northern and resource issues. And then after a number of years in Saskatchewan, working in part with the Saskatchewan Métis on economic dev­elop­ment, he returned to Manitoba.

      And this time, a little older and I would say a little wiser, he ran for election for the Manitoba Liberal party in Thompson. That was in 2011. I was in Thompson helping him with his campaign; sadly, it was not suc­cess­ful.

      He was a kind, gentle, talented man who spent much time helping others and working on behalf of others. He loved fishing, being with his family. He helped Indigenous people in many ways, including the Mathias Colomb First Nation and Saskatchewan Métis. He was a remark­able individual for his time and remark­able in what he achieved with his level of edu­ca­tion.

      So, on behalf of our caucus and myself, we extend con­dol­ences to the family and friends of Ken Dillen and honour for a life well lived and contributing to Manitoba and Canada and to the wellbeing of Indigenous people, in parti­cular in our province.

      Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.

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