Local Legendary Musician Succumbs to Cancer

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

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.