What do Régine Laurent, Dany Laferrière, Kim Thúy, Benoît Huot, Monique Giroux and Sylvie Bernier have in common? Not only are they all members of the National Order of Quebec, but they are also at the heart of the showcase-exhibition Honor to the People of Quebec, designed and produced by the Museum of Civilization in partnership with the National Order of Quebec, to highlight the forty years of this apolitical institution, a symbol of collective pride.
Each year, inspiring personalities are decorated with one of three ranks: knight, knight, officer, and grand officer. “Honor to the people of Quebec” is the motto of the National Order, the highest distinction awarded by the State in the name of the people to members of Quebec society who have greatly contributed to its advancement and notoriety. It was in 1985 that the first ceremony to award badges to exceptional personalities took place. Since then, more than 1,200 people have been honored, making history for their exceptional achievements, showcasing Quebec talents and nourishing our collective pride.
Until October 18, 2026, the public can learn everything there is to know about the National Order, discover its symbols, but also several new objects testifying to journeys that have contributed to shaping the modern history of Quebec through extraordinary achievements, and this for free.
Among the objects and stories to discover, we find in particular a precious children’s bracelet worn by Kim Thúy upon his arrival in Quebec in 1979, the academic sword of Dany Laferrière, a premonitory drawing made by Monique Giroux at the age of four, or even a gold medal won by the athlete Benoît Huot at the Athens Paralympic Games in 2004. You can also admire the prestigious Golden Book of the National Order, which collects testimonies and autographs from members named at each distinction ceremony, in addition to numerous other objects, documents and interviews.
“This showcase-exhibition allows us to discover an institution that belongs to us all. It is in the name of the people that these honors are awarded, this gesture contributing to writing the history of Quebec through its talents and successes, with shared recognition and pride. Through touching and evocative objects, life journeys that have contributed to the advancement of society as a whole are revealed. The Museum of Civilization is proud to highlight this institution and its members, whose action is unifying and inspiring. » – Julie Lemieux, general director, Musée de la civilization
“The National Order of Quebec is above all the strength of exceptional women and men who, in all fields, have left their mark on our society with achievements that advance our history. This showcase-exhibition perfectly captures this spirit by highlighting the symbols, heritage and inspiring journeys of remarkable Quebecers. I am proud to discover it today and I enthusiastically salute the work of all those who made it possible. I hope that the public will feel the same pride and emotion as I do when visiting it. » – Claudine Roy, C.Q., president of the Council of the National Order of Quebec
The showcase exhibition was unveiled yesterday, November 19, in Quebec, in the presence of the President of the Council of the Order, Claudine Roy, C.Q., the General Director of the Musée de la civilization, Julie Lemieux, the Director of the Order, Sandrine Gibert, several members of the Order and numerous guests. Six members of the Order presented their exhibits, namely Sylvie Bernier, C.Q., Benoît Huot, C.Q., Dany Laferrière, O.Q., Régine Laurent, O.Q., France Légaré, C.Q., and Jean-Claude Poitras, O.Q.