Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 7, 2015
• Invested on: May 13, 2016

For his contributions to preserving Aboriginal artifacts and for his efforts to advance public awareness of archeology in Manitoba.

Never satisfied with knowledge for its own sake, in all that he has done Leigh Syms has emphasized the importance of communicating archaeological discoveries to the public. A long-time curator at the Manitoba Museum, he built a bridge between archaeologists and CanadaÆs First peoples through his work. Aboriginal citizens have rediscovered their heritage through exhibits he has curated in their own communities and through their involvement in the interpretation of the artifacts he has found. His mentoring, public workshops and voluntary service have also inspired others to become amateur and professional archaeologists.