Manitoba Trails Day marks Mennonite milestone at Niverville’s Hespeler Park

Ernie Braun can barely contain his excitement as he stands under the newly erected pergola located at the south entrance of Niverville’s Hespeler Park. Marking the Peace Trail waypoint of what was once the well-traveled Crow Wing Trail and the junction for several historically significant features, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the interpretation kiosk attracted a noticeable crowd with several dignitaries on June 6.

Well ahead of the scheduled 11 a.m. opening ceremony, Braun set up the MC’s table for the head of the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society, Ed Krahn, and garnished it with his own miniature Mennonite baby manger. The piece is hand made in the style and tradition of Mennonites who traveled the trail with just such stable-inspired furnishings, although today it swaddles programs and commemorative pens for the ceremony.

Manitoba’s annual Trails Day takes place on the first Saturday of June and helps celebrate the rich history of rural communities like Niverville, while also encouraging people to engage in the outdoors and practice active lifestyles.

This year’s Trail Day was notably special for the community of Niverville, and in particular for those who celebrate their Mennonite roots. The commissioning of the kiosk not only marks the historical significance of the Peace Trail but, as showcased through several information plaques mounted in the pergola, also denotes the history of the Mennonite people settling in this area.

Steinbach Bible College’s president David Reimer was on hand to give the opening invocation, citing Deuteronomy 6, along with words of appreciation from the University of Winnipeg’s specialist in Mennonite history, professor Royden Loewen. Words of praise from the Manitoba Historical Society’s Gordon Goldsborough were also shared to acknowledge the considerable efforts of enthusiasts like Braun and Denny Calk to document Mennonite history in the area.

As the earliest days of the Mennonite settlers have been so carefully documented, the ceremonies also featured a sincere land acknowledgment with special mention of the Metis people who were so gracious and helpful to the newly arrived Mennonites to the area in 1874. A loving rendition of the hymn Nun Danket Alle Gott was sung by local performer Jerrah Robbins, to which those assembled spontaneously joined in the singing which underscored the importance of the ceremony.

The ribbon cutting inside the pergola, which features several informational plaques providing the historical context of the new landmark, was also heartfelt. It was performed by Niverville Coun. Meghan Beasant, but also with obvious personal satisfaction by retired professor Glen Klassen, who is co-author of The Historical Atlas of the East Reserve with Braun.

The increasingly celebrated Peace Trail commemorates the original Mennonites to settle in southeast Manitoba and features several historically significant sites along its path, such as this kiosk, and links a variety of other trails such as the Trans-Canada Trail running through communities such as Niverville and Steinbach.