Five Manitobans who've contributed to preserving and promoting the province's history have been recognized, including three in the local area. Last week Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon presented the Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Historical Preservation and Promotion. One of the award recipients was Arborg Heritage Village Co-chair Pat Eyolfson, who calls it an honour and a privilege to receive the award. She explains her interest in preserving local history aims to pay tribute to those who are responsible for where and who we are today.

"It's a tribute in respect to our ancestors who had worked so hard to make the living that we take for granted now. When you think of the hard work they did clearing the land, building their homes, and they didn't have electricity or any of the modern things we have now, and we just take that all for granted. If it wasn't for them paving the way, we wouldn't have the lifestyle we have today." 

Pat Eyolfson receives her award

The president and executive director of Settlers, Rails, and Trails in Argyle was also recognized for his contributions. Shayne Campbell says he's excited to receive the award, noting the committee had worked very hard to get through the nominating process. He says the highlight of the ceremony was meeting like-minded individuals from across the province.

"There are lots of folks all over Manitoba and all over Canada working on history, kind of preserving it at their own pace. Sometimes we feel like we're an island, like we're working alone as a community. It's nice today to come and see there are other communities working just as hard, and making good headway, like we are."

St. Claude's Raymond Phillipot also received the award, for his work as the president of the Manitoba Dairy Museum in St. Claude. He mirrors the comments of the others,

Raymond Phillipot noting he's accepting the award on behalf of all those who ensure the museum continues to thrive.

"It's an honour to be awarded and recognized. The only thing is I tell my fellow people from the museum 'I get all the honours, you do all the work', so it's unfortunate it's not given to a group."

The Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Historical Preservation and Promotion were established in 2011, and so far 30 Manitobans have received the honour.