AUGUST 17, 1944

ALGONQUIN QUEBEC OFFICIAL/POET MATCHEWAN (MICHELNOËL) BORN

Noël, born in Messines, grew up in the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve and in the Maniwaki & Abitibi regions of Quebec. After attending École normale de Hull, he earned Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees in Arts from Laval University. From 1977 to 1980, Noël was director of the Service de l’artisanat et des métiers d’art, Quebec Ministry of Culture. He also served in various positions there afterwards, including Coordinator for First Nations Affairs. In the 1980s, Noël wrote an acclaimed series of books based on First Nations stories, Les Papinachois. Michel wrote novels, poetry, reference works, stories & plays, as well as magazine articles. Additionally, he narrated films, led workshops in academia, and took part in conferences on First Nations issues. Awards include: Chevalier, French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2003); Global Citizen, the UN Association in Canada (1998); Prix Saint-Exupéry (2008); and Chevalier, National Order of Quebec (2011). Noël died April 12, 2021.

Sources: 
 “Michel Noël,” Words Without Borders.  Retrieved 9/2/2022, Michel Noël - Words Without Borders
“Michel Noel (born August 17, 1944), Canadian writer, poet,” World Biographical Encyclopedia.  Retrieved 9/2/2022, Michel Noel (born August 17, 1944), Canadian writer, poet | World Biographical Encyclopedia (prabook.com)
Wikipedia
Photo:  Robergem51, 6/20/2011. Permissive Use