Village News

Did you know that Manitoba has its own day? “The province of Manitoba was created by the Manitoba Act which later received royal assent on May 12, 1870… Nearly a century later, Manitoba’s official flag was dedicated and raised for the first time on May 12, 1966. Celebrations on May 12 began to grow into an annual community event since the province’s centenary in 1970. (Wikipedia)” In 1986, the government of Manitoba officially designated it as Manitoba Day. No statutory holiday though, in case you were wondering, however Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) will be providing a great way to celebrate it on Saturday, May 13.

In 2020, Will Goodon, a leader in the Manitoba Métis Federation shared in a Global News interview that: “there were clearly high hopes among the Metis people in what would become Manitoba 150 years ago. While there were plenty of difficulties, and while the federal government didn’t treat its Confederation partners too well’, joining Confederation was the start of an ongoing conversation. There was that government-to-government relationship – nation-to-nation,” he said. “We went into it in good faith. Goodon said in 1870, between 85 and 90 per cent of people living in the region were Metis, and they needed to make their demands known as a unique culture with unique needs. “We thought they were agreed to and as it turns out, we needed another 150 years to press that and make that happen. “When you look at today, whether it’s housing or other issues, we’re working very well with Canada at this point.”

For Manitoba Day MHV wants to celebrate the positive change that is happening, while knowing there is more to do. On Saturday, May 13 MHV will offer free admission and birthday cake for everyone! There will be a good amount of activity including a flag ceremony, a countdown for turning on the new pond fountain (it is a sight to behold), a new exhibit, horse-drawn wagon rides, planting pansies for Mom and children’s activities in the Auditorium, and Ox Cart stories by the Semlin with Terry and Patty Doerksen. Terry and Patty took an epic journey from Winnipeg to the States all by Ox cart and have great stories and insights to share. Our Livery Barn Restaurant will be open and serving traditional Mennonite meals and deserts. The recently updated General Store is looking beautiful inside and has some old-fashioned candy for you to take home as well as a wide-variety of artisan ware made by local Manitoba artists. Happy 153rd Birthday Manitoba!