COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Living tributes to faith and culture

The Cooks Creek Heritage Museum stands as a proud reminder of the stories, struggles, and traditions of Eastern European immigrants who helped shape Manitoba’s identity. Housed in the old Roman Catholic Rectory of St. Michael’s Parish, the museum carries with it a history as rich as the artifacts it preserves.

The rectory itself was built in 1937 and originally served as a show home for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Just two years later, in 1939, the church purchased the building, turning it into a cornerstone of parish life. Over time, many of the newcomers to the Cooks Creek area, primarily settlers from Ukraine and Poland began donating items that had traveled with them across the ocean. These objects told the story of perseverance, faith, and heritage. Among the artifacts were prayer books, Bibles, and holy pictures, which spoke to the immigrants’ deep spiritual roots. Others contributed traditional embroidered clothing, handmade art, and practical items like farm tools and kitchenware, all of which highlighted the daily realities of immigrant life in rural Manitoba.

Recognizing the importance of these pieces, parish priest Father Alois Krivanek founded the Cooks Creek Heritage Museum in 1968. His vision was to safeguard not only the artifacts themselves but also the stories of the people who carried them, ensuring future generations could understand the community’s origins. Today, the museum continues that mission, offering visitors a glimpse into the customs, faith, and resilience of Eastern European settlers.

St. Michael’s Church, which sits alongside the museum, adds further depth to this history. It is recognized as the second oldest Polish Roman Catholic church in Manitoba, after Holy Ghost Parish in Winnipeg. When it first opened, services were conducted entirely in Polish, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity to new immigrants adjusting to life in Canada. Over time, the church shifted to English services, reflecting the assimilation of younger generations. Yet, traditions remain strong. Once a month, elderly descendants of Polish immigrants gather at the church to celebrate their heritage, practice the Polish language, and keep alive the customs passed down through their families.

Together, the Cooks Creek Heritage Museum and St. Michael’s Church stand as living tributes to the faith, culture, and determination of Manitoba’s Eastern European settlers. They are not just historical landmarks, but active centers of memory where the past continues to inform and inspire the present.

As always, the work I value most is serving you and your family as your MLA for Springfield – Ritchot. I welcome your questions, comments and concerns to Ron@RonSchuler.com or by mail at Box 150, Oak Bank, MB R0E 1J0.