Alexa O.
East St. Paul, Manitoba
Red River Heritage Fair
Manitoba: The Formation, Confederation, and Celebration!
This year we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Manitoba. Our province is very special for many reasons. But what is often overlooked is how much it took for Manitoba to form, and to join Confederation. As my title suggests, my project is about Manitoba forming, joining Confederation, and now to celebrate it. Manitoba joining Confederation was a significant event in Canada’s history, and some reasons include a land transfer and a resistance, which led up to an execution.
What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?
The most interesting thing I learned about my topic is that Manitoba used to only be 160 square km when it first joined Canada in 1870. Now, Manitoba is 647,797 square km, much bigger than at first.
What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?
I have learned that history is important to look back at. We can reflect on mistakes made in history and learn from them. I have also learned that celebrating Manitoba's (or any province's) birthday is very important to bring everyone together. Manitoba150's quote is 'United in Celebration', which is exactly what everyone in the province should feel like on Manitoba's birthday.
How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?
Life for people in the Red River Colony was peaceful until they learned their land was going to be transferred to Canada. Life for us is different from that because all land is already owned by someone or a country, meaning that Canada couldn't just sell Manitoba or a different province so suddenly without people knowing. The Hudson's Bay Company, however, sold Rupert's Land to Canada without the people living in Rupert's Land knowing.