President Michael D. Higgins is presented with the Collier de l'Hermine necklace by the President of the Brittany Region, Loïg Chesnais-Girard, at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin.
The Collier de l’Hermine is awarded to people who have contributed to the awareness of Celtic languages and cultures, including Breton.
President Higgins was chosen for the award in recognition of his commitment to promoting the Irish language and culture, including through the establishment of TG4, and of his commitment to promoting Breton culture and linguistic diversity on his visits to Brittany.
The Order of the Ermine is a civil honorary order established in 1972 which, managed by the Cultural Institute of Brittany, rewards people for the contribution they have made to the influence of Brittany.
