May 9, 2014
Manitoba Communities to Celebrate Province's 144th Birthday
– – –May 12 is Manitoba Day
Communities, museums and a host of organizations are gearing up to commemorate Manitoba Day with events and programs that bring the province’s rich and vibrant history to life, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux said today.
“I strongly encourage all Manitobans to take a moment and reflect on the proud history, people and traditions of this great province,” said Minister Lemieux. “While the future is bright, our past is just as fascinating. I hope Manitobans will explore all the province has to offer.”
The province was officially created when the Manitoba Act received royal assent from the Parliament of Canada on May 12, 1870. The act was proclaimed on July 15, 1870, and Manitoba joined the Canadian Confederation as its fifth province. Manitoba Day celebrations have become popular annual events since Manitoba’s centennial in 1970.
The province promotes Manitoba Day through partnerships with various heritage and community based organizations, Minister Lemieux said. While Manitoba Day is Monday, May 12 and there are numerous activities occurring on the actual anniversary, there are many events occurring over the course of the upcoming weekend. Tomorrow, the Manitoba Museum is offering free admission to museum galleries, the science gallery and planetarium. There will be special educational programming throughout the day, and the opening of a new temporary exhibit commemorating the history of treaties with Manitoba’s First Nations titled‘We Are All Treaty People’.
More information on Manitoba Day celebrations planned for the next few days can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/chc/manitoba_day_where_to_celebrate.html.
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