Local Legendary Musician Succumbs to Cancer

many members of the family took their talent to the national stage successfully combining the rich Métis culture with country roots music.

By Dan Guetre

There is a family in Richer that is synonymous with music on a national scale. For decades, the Dutiaume family performed at regional festivals and events reminding residents of the local Métis heritage that surrounds the area. It wasn’t long before

Clint Dutiaume, at a young age of 59, passed away from lung cancer recently leaving a family mourning and a community saddened as they cope with the loss of a musical ambassador they called their own. This past November, Clint along with his brothers, Jim, Keith, and Tom were inducted into the Manitoba Country Music Hall Of Fame.

“Clint Dutiaume was a multiple award winning world class fiddler, guitarist, and singer who absolutely lit up each and every stage that he stepped on to,” wrote the Manitoba Country Music Association in a statement shortly after they heard the news. “He was an amazing musician, teacher, mentor, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.”

“He was a bright light in the music community and will be missed terribly,” they added.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization defined Clint as an influential Métis fiddle player who made an incredible impact in the music community and reminded his family and friends of the numerous people Clint inspired.

Clint was a nine-time winner the Manitoba Instrumentalist of the Year Award. He also won C.A.M.A. For Best Fiddle Album (Canadian Aboriginal Music Award) and was nominated for top producer. He leaves behind his mother, two children, two grandchildren and 10 siblings.

Gallery Displays

The Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre is currently featuring a visual arts exhibit “Take a Hike with Me” by Leslie Paulet until February 24.

Paulet resides in Steinbach with her husband, Nick, and two sons, Tyler and Troy. While living in Alberta throughout most of her 20s, Leslie immediately fell in love with the mountains. Ironically, it was not until Leslie moved back to Manitoba that she became an avid hiker and an ‘occasional’ mountain climber in the Himalayas in Nepal. Her favourite thing to do in the world is throw on a backpack with all her gear and head out on the trail for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks at a time. Her next favourite thing to do is turn on the music and paint.

If Leslie is not out on the trail in nature, she can most likely be found at home painting it.

Consistently painting for the past 5 years, Leslie is self-taught. She continues to learn new techniques and skills with every brushstroke. Primarily using acrylic paint on canvas or wood, she will often add texture to her work with canvas paste or cover finished pieces with coats of resin. Most of her pieces are bright and vibrant with a bit of an abstract/contemporary feel; however, she sometimes chooses to work solely with shades of grey or monochromatic colors. One thing all her pieces have in common is inspiration always comes from time spent on the trail.

“Leslie Paulet’s artwork will transport you to the beautiful mountains and glacial lakes that can be seen in Canada,” said Tonya Godee, Exhibit Coordinator. “Paulet’s love for nature really shines through her artwork.”