2014 Recipients

Dr. William J. Byrne

On Friday, June 13, 2014, an Honorary Doctor of Laws was conferred on Dr. William J. Byrne in recognition of his commitment and dedication to the preservation, interpretation and development of Alberta’s historical resources. As a result of his extraordinary dedication and efforts, Alberta is recognized as a world leader in heritage management. Among his many accomplishments were the amendment to the Historical Resources Act in 1980 ensuring that the ownership of archaeological and paleontological resources within Alberta were vested in the Crown; and securing World Heritage status for Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump and Dinosaur Provincial Park. His legacy is the network of historical sites that stretch across Alberta which have reinforced Alberta’s identity and its pride in its incredible past.