Russlander migration statue to be placed in Steinbach

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This article was published 17/08/2023 (673 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A statue commemorating the Russlander Mennonite migration to Steinbach will be added to the town square in front of the clock tower on the corner of Main Street and Reimer Avenue.

Daniel Banman, representing the Robert D. and Joanne S. Banman Heritage Foundation made the announcement to city council on Tuesday.

“My great grandparents, Jacob and Margaret Banman, were part of the Russlander migration,” he explained. “They arrived in 1924 and 1926 respectively.”

Banman said the timing of the statue is ideal because of the 100th anniversary of the migration, but added it also contains a message for those still arriving.

“We hope the statue will also pay tribute to all the people who have had to flee their home countries and settle in our region over the years,” he said. “It’s important to recognize that exactly 100 years after the Russlander migration, people are also escaping from the same region to Steinbach under the exact same circumstances.”

The statue is being made in Utah and will depict a young family forced to flee their homeland.

Made of bronze it will be nine feet tall and weigh an estimated 1,800 pounds.

Banman said they hope to have the statue installed by October at which point they will host a formal dedication.