COLUMN: Village News – Celebrating Canada

Summertime is a popular season for celebrations in Canada. The weather is favourable for outdoor gatherings, and we enjoy spending time with friends, family, and neighbours in both organized and spontaneous settings. The government of Canada has designated a number of dates in June and July as special days and many of our local communities choose to highlight one or more of these days.

National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 recognizes and celebrates the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis. Occurring on the longest day of the year, this celebration is a time of renewal, connection, and celebration for many Indigenous people. In our area Buffalo Point First Nation and Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation are the nearest communities in southeastern Manitoba with large Indigenous populations, but we all have friends and acquaintances with Indigenous connections and June 21 is one way to celebrate their culture and background.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24 celebrates the language and traditions of French-speaking people. Approximately 10 million Canadians speak French in Canada, and our region has about a dozen communities with a large Francophone population. For many generations, Mennonite and Francophone neighbours have built strong communities side by side and June 24 highlights the rich culture of our French-speaking friends and neighbours.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27 honours the numerous cultural communities that help build a strong and vibrant Canadian society. Did you know that Canada was the first country in the world to create a multiculturalism policy, recognizing and respecting our country’s diverse languages, customs and religions in 1971? Our region continues to benefit from the various cultures represented in our communities as we embrace cultural diversity and show mutual respect for all traditions.

These three celebrations are all brought together on July 1 when we celebrate our nation, Canada. Whether you are Indigenous, Francophone, Ukrainian, Nigerian, Filipino, or Columbian, we are all invited to come together for a big celebration of food, entertainment, games and activities at Mennonite Heritage Village. Admission is free.

No country is perfect, and Canada is no exception. Coming together as a community with thankfulness for the good things around us, and an openness to share what makes us unique as a nation, will enrich our community and ensure that we continue to be welcoming to all who choose Canada, and southeastern Manitoba, in particular.

On July 1, celebrate Canada with us! There will be delicious food, lively music entertainment, and all the fun areas of the museum to explore with your family. We welcome you to join us!

Upcoming events

May to September – The museum, the Livery Barn Restaurant, the General Store, and Village Books and Gifts are open 7 days per week.

Open Daily until 5 p.m. – Gerhard Ens Gallery new exhibit is open: Mennonite Medicine: Cures and Curiosities – 1800 to 1950.

July 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Canada Day celebrations at MHV. Free admission all day. Free birthday cake, antique tractor show, music, food, and rides all day.

July 25 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Country Classic Heritage Car Show. Join MHV and the Country Classic Car Club for this annual car show fundraiser on the museum Main Street.

August 1 to 3 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Annual Pioneer Days Festival. Celebrate the 152nd anniversary of Mennonites arriving in Manitoba this summer during the August Long Weekend at our Pioneer Days festival! Immerse yourself in the life of early Mennonites in Manitoba and explore their rich history through hands-on demonstrations, steam-powered threshing, live music, and delicious food. Experience the stories that shaped the beginnings of the Mennonite community in Manitoba.