Memorable Manitobans: Louis John Stevenson (1950-2014)

Aboriginal leader.

Born on 19 May 1950, he was elected Chief of the Peguis First Nation in 1981 and served for 26 years in the position. He also served as Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (1988). Described as “colourful and controversial,” Stevenson garnered international attention to the conditions on his reserve when, in 1987, he toured the South African ambassador through it. In 2011, he was arrested and fined for drawing a gun on an unarmed friend at a Winnipeg hotel. His efforts in lobbying the federal government over the Peguis land claim ultimately brought 20,000 hectares and $118 million to his community. He died on 27 December 2014 following a long illness.

Sources:

“Brash leader changed Peguis,” Winnipeg Free Press, 29 December 2014.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 29 December 2014.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 31 May 2022

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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