Rebecca Watson, Author at Manitoba Museum

Posted on: Friday December 13, 2024

The Manitoba Museum is a place of discovery, and not only for our visitors! Our Curators travel far and wide to acquire specimens and artifacts for the Museum’s collection. Some of these objects eventually end up on display in our galleries, while others may be significant for scientific research. Some even turn out to be new species.

A large, colourful screen shows animations of a variety of extinct marine life forms. Below the screen are small cases, text, and graphics.

Alongside a large, animated sea scape, you can see a selection of 450-million-year-old fossils of organisms that once inhabited Manitoba in the Earth History Gallery, Ancient Seas Exhibit. ©Manitoba Museum

This past summer, our Curator of Palaeontology and Geology made some spectacular fossil discoveries near Churchill and Grand Rapids, including at least one never-before-seen extinct species. Back at the Museum, these specimens will be carefully prepared under the microscope, removing overlying rock to tease out secrets hidden in stone. Then, they can be studied and shared through publications and exhibits with the scientific community and the public.

Three polar bears walking across a craggy shoreline.

These polar bears interrupted us while collecting an important fossil specimen along the coast near Churchill. Fortunately, we were able to enjoy the photo opportunity and return to collect the specimen once the coast was clear. ©Michael Cuggy

A freshly split rock surface showing a specimen of Lunataspis aurora, the oldest known horseshoe crab. The species was first found in northern Manitoba and described by Manitoba Museum researchers and colleagues in 2008. The specimen is about 4 cm long. ©Manitoba Museum/Joseph Moysiuk

Modern horseshoe crabs, Limulus polyphemus, gathering on the shores of Long Island, New York, to reproduce. ©Joseph Moysiuk

Fossil deposits in northern Manitoba are of global scientific significance and Manitoba Museum researchers have been at the forefront in their discovery and study. These fossils are remarkable for their quality of preservation – even traces of soft organisms like jellyfish and seaweeds have been preserved. The rock layers date back to about 450 million years ago, a time long before the dinosaurs when Manitoba was covered by a shallow, tropical sea.

Dr. Joe Moysiuk, Curator of Palaeontology and Geology (front) and a colleague making the discovery of the new sea scorpion. ©Manitoba Museum/Joseph Moysiuk

A new species of eurypterid (sea scorpion) discovered this past summer, showing the head at left and segmented body to the right. So far this is the only specimen known and the largest sea scorpion that has been found in Manitoba. ©Manitoba Museum/Joseph Moysiuk

Few other places in the world preserve such a remarkable record of this time period, and the Manitoba Museum is the only place you can see specimens from these sites on exhibit.

Dr. Joe Moysiuk

Curator of Palaeontology & Geology

Joe Moysiuk recently completed his doctoral dissertation at the University of Toronto and Royal Ontario Museum. His expertise centers on the oldest animal fossils and insights they provide about the evolution…

Meet Dr. Joe Moysiuk

Posted on: Thursday December 12, 2024

Promotional graphic for the Manitoba Museum's Bead-A-Thon event on Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 10 am to 3 pm. Digital art in a floral beadwork-like pattern branches around the right side of the graphic.

Treaty No. 1 Territory – Winnipeg, Manitoba: December 12, 2024 – The Manitoba Museum is ringing in the new year with their first ever Bead-A-Thon, hosted by renowned Métis beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi and the Manitoba Museum’s Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement, Tashina Houle-Schlup.

Taking place Sunday, January 5 from 10 am to 3 pm in the Museum’s Alloway Hall, the Bead-a-Thon will include a day of mini ‘learn-to-stitch’ tutorials, an ‘Artist Open Mic’, and food vendors such as Indigenous, woman-owned businesses Sharecuterie and Anishinaa-Bakes. Attendees will also enjoy pop-up visits from the stunning historical beadwork found in the Museum collection.

“This event is inspired by the grandmothers – the ancestral belongings of the Museum collection. These are works of art that were designed, stitched, beaded, quilled, and sewn by Indigenous women throughout history. Several of these beautiful pieces will be shared with Bead-A-Thon participants at three separate times throughout the day to help fuel their inspiration for their own beadwork,” said Tashina Houle-Schlup, Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement at the Museum.

The Bead-a-Thon is an opportunity for beaders of all experience levels to enjoy time with community to share, learn, and bead together. Whether you’re an experienced beader, a keen learner, or have never held a needle, this fundraising event welcomes all to share skills, meet new people, and connect on a personal level with ancestral belongings cared for by the Museum.

“As the Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement at the Museum, I often see numerous artists visiting the grandmothers in our collections to examine the materials used, take measurements, and, most importantly, connect with these significant works. This event aims to extend that access to others seeking to connect with their Indigeneity. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for non-Indigenous members of our diverse community to learn more about Indigenous people and cultures, thus fostering an appreciation for our rich history and beautiful way of life,” said Houle-Schlup.

Tickets are on sale now on a ‘pay what you can afford’ scale and a 50/50 draw will close out the day. This inaugural fundraiser will support the Manitoba Museum’s Access for All program which offers a wide array of community initiatives including free admission on First Fridays, subsidized supplies and workshop fees for the Museum’s Indigenous art workshop series, and complimentary field trips for children from every corner of Manitoba.

To learn more and to purchase tickets for the Bead-a-Thon click here.

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Media Contact: 

Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
204-988-0614
BHayberg@ManitobaMusuem.ca

Posted on: Monday December 9, 2024

Charitable giving isn’t about charity, it’s about community.

I often think back to my childhood after we arrived in Canada. It wasn’t quite as expected. Starting over in a new country, not knowing the language, struggling to make ends meet, and not having a community was very hard.

I don’t remember being poor, per se. As a child, I’m not sure I would have understood what that even meant. We had what we had.

What I do remember is how much I loved the times we went swimming at our local pool, how proud my mama was of me when I got a good grade on my English homework, how excited I was to unwrap gifts from under our little tree, and how beautiful the table looked on Christmas Eve when we sat down together to enjoy a delicious feast.

I didn’t know at the time that we only went to the pool when it was free swim time, that the people who stayed after school to help me do my homework were volunteers, that the gifts came from a hamper, and our meal from the food bank.

What I did know, is that my life was made better, easier, and more joyful because of all of those things. Because people like you, who didn’t know my family, gave of their own savings to make sure we felt welcomed, supported, and loved in our new home.

My childhood was enriched by the kindness of strangers.

Fast forward a few decades, and now I understand it all. I’ve spent the majority of my career working in community organizations; I’ve personally witnessed the joys experienced by families who receive help from strangers. And I’ve come to understand that when we give to charities, we’re actually giving to our neighbours, the kids sitting next to our own in class, the families enjoying the local pool, the visitors entering the Manitoba Museum to see their stories honoured.

So when I say, charitable giving isn’t about charity, I mean it, I lived it.

Giving to causes close to our hearts it about extending a warm hand of friendship to others, it’s about reminding them that in their moments of hardship, they are not alone.

This year, I donated to a few community organizations whose work changes lives… those who care for our houseless relatives, help Indigenous women escape violence, encourage new Canadians to rebuild their lives, rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife in our beautiful province, and of course to my favourite museum (😉). I gave what I could because every gift makes a difference.

I invite you to join me in giving to our community.

If you would like to support the work the Museum does as a vibrant centre of community connection, research, and learning, you can click here to give. Through the generosity of the Johnston Group, all donations made up until December 31, 2024, will be matched dollar for dollar—up to $20,000. Every donation helps us build a stronger, brighter future for our community and beyond. Thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting the Manitoba Museum’s mission to preserve, educate, and inspire!

Dorota Blumczyńska
Manitoba Museum CEO

P.S. In case I haven’t said it enough, thank you. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. I will forever be grateful for your kindness.

A smiling child sitting in the interior of the Nonsuch, a wooden sailing vessel.

P.P.S. This is me on the Nonsuch, about a year after we came to Canada. Then and now, I’ve always loved the Manitoba Museum.

Posted on: Tuesday December 3, 2024

(Winnipeg, MB: December 3, 2024) – The Manitoba Museum has a brand-new, permanent exhibit, and we invite visitors to pounce on the chance to see this exciting addition to our Museum Galleries. The Cougar – Manitoba’s Big Cat is an extraordinarily in-depth look at one of the most enigmatic creatures to roam our province.

Many are surprised to learn that cougars are found in Manitoba at all. Though they’ve likely existed here for thousands of years, confirmed records are only available from the last 50 years. These elusive cats are seen across the southern half of the province, with most records from forested regions like Duck Mountain, Riding Mountain, and Turtle Mountain.

Face on view of a taxidermized cougar skin. The cougar is wearing a tracking collar and prowling through tall grasses.

The Cougar – Manitoba’s Big Cat is unique because it tells the story of one cougar, known as SK-10. In the spring of 2010, a cougar was born in Saskatchewan’s Cypress Hills. When he was just over one year old, he was given an ear tag, labeled SK-10, and fitted with a satellite tracking collar as part of a study by the University of Alberta. This study would reveal his remarkable 10-year journey through the prairies.

SK-10 was destined to wander, but he traveled farther than any other cougar documented in the study. In just 100 days, he covered an astounding 750 kilometers, roaming through Montana before reaching Moose Mountain in Saskatchewan. His tracking collar malfunctioned that spring, but SK-10’s journey was far from over. From 2016 to 2018, he reappeared, caught on trail cameras in Riding Mountain National Park—a rare park visitor! He had traveled another 300 kilometers, reaching his final stop near Duck Mountain, where, in early February 2020, SK-10 was found accidentally caught in a legal coyote snare. This is where his journey to the Manitoba Museum began.

“The Museum partners with Manitoba Wildlife officials and the Assiniboine Park Zoo to study and preserve any accidentally killed cougars,” said Dr. Randy Mooi, Curator of Zoology, adding, “Placing the skin and skeleton in a museum gives the animal a second life of sorts, a lasting legacy by making it available for scientific study to better understand cougars in Manitoba and to tell their story to the public.”

Because SK-10’s story is so extraordinary, the Manitoba Museum was determined to bring it to visitors as a permanent feature of the Parklands Gallery. The Cougar – Manitoba’s Big Cat features SK-10 dramatically lit as if by a full moon; his fully-mounted skeleton, which provides an incredible and unique look at the inner-workings of this powerful predator; illustrated interpretative panels; and interactive and touchable elements such as paw prints, scat (poop), and cougar purrs and screams, which provide a glimpse of cougar life in Manitoba.

Members of the media are invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of the new exhibit at 9:30 am on Wednesday, December 4. To RSVP or if you would like to arrange a one-on-one tour with Curator of Zoology, Dr. Randall Mooi, please reach out to the media contact below.

The addition of The Cougar – Manitoba’s Big Cat exhibit was made possible with generous funding from the Thomas Sill Foundation and The Manitoba Museum Foundation, and in cooperation with the Manitoba Wildlife Branch, the Assiniboine Park Zoo, researchers at the University of Alberta, and Parks Canada.

Click here for a Image Gallery

Click here to watch Dinosaur Valley Studios’ Reconstructing SK-10 video

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Media Contact: 

Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
204-988-0614
BHayberg@ManitobaMusuem.ca

Posted on: Wednesday November 13, 2024

Winnipeg, Manitoba – November 13, 2024 – The opportunity to see Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon planetarium experience is quickly coming to an end. As of December 31, 2024, Pink Floyd and NSC Creative – the firm behind the visual production of the show – will be permanently retiring all licenses for the digital planetarium show. The planetarium program originally opened in 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic album, which was first released in a London planetarium in March of 1973.

With the help of modern technology, Pink Floyd’s planetarium show transports you through space and time. The show combines breath-taking views of the solar system and beyond, played out to 42 minutes of The Dark Side of The Moon. Each song has a different theme; some futuristically looking forward and some a retro acknowledgment to Pink Floyd’s visual history, all relating to a time and space experience, embracing up to the minute technology that only a planetarium can offer. The show is a truly immersive and all-encompassing sound and visual treat that will transcend reality and take you way beyond the realms of 2D experience.

“This isn’t the old-style ‘laser show’ of the past,” says Scott Young, Planetarium Astronomer at the Manitoba Museum. “The show was produced to use the latest digital planetarium system, and Winnipeg is one of only a handful of planetariums in Canada equipped to show it.”

The Manitoba Museum Planetarium has had the pleasure of hosting multiple sold out runs of the show since its launch in 2023. This November the Planetarium’s schedule will include the final run of shows before the license expires in December.

“While the Planetarium is looking at other music-based shows, the Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon 50th anniversary experience will never be seen again,” says Young. “We literally have to delete the files. This really is the last chance to see the show.”

For music lovers looking for a more hands-on concert experience, come early and you’ll get the chance to explore the universe with an adult twist! Show attendees can enjoy beverages at a pop-up bar prior to showtime in the Museum’s Science Gallery and relive the explorations of their youth with hands-on science fun!

Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon plays at the Manitoba Museum Planetarium for select showings starting November 14. Doors will open one hour prior to the show to give attendees a chance to enjoy a beverage and explore the Museum’s Science Gallery.

Visit ManitobaMuseum.ca/DarkSide for show times and information.

View the image gallery here: Pink Floyd Images and Trailer

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Media Contact: 

Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
204-988-0614
BHayberg@ManitobaMusuem.ca

Scot Young
Planetarium Astronomer
204-988-0627
ScYoung@ManitobaMuseum.ca

Organization Summary:

The Manitoba Museum is the province’s award-winning heritage and science centre. It is unique in its combination of human and natural history themes and renowned for its vivid portrayal of Manitoba’s rich and colourful history, Planetarium shows, and Science Gallery exhibits. The Museum features immersive dioramas, multi-dimensional interpretation, science and astronomy education, and quality school and community programs. The Museum has collected and protects over 2.8 million artifacts and specimens, including the Hudson’s Bay Company Museum Collection.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of School & Public Programs, the Learning Facilitator (Museum Galleries) delivers in-person and virtual interpretive programs on themes related to the Museum in both English and French and assists in other public program events for the general public, especially schoolchildren and organized groups. The incumbent must exercise initiative and independent judgment in working with the Museum’s various audiences while maintaining an energetic and lively approach. The incumbent must be able to work with minimal supervision and be available for weekday, weekend, and evening work. Fluency in English and French is a requirement for this position.

Salary/Rate:

The wage range for this position is $19.01 to $24.05 per hour.

Conditions of Employment:

Child Abuse Registry Check
Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 4:30 pm. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a resume including a cover letter and schedule availability to:

Manager of Volunteer & Employee Relations
Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0N2
HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca
Fax: 942-3679

The Manitoba Museum is committed to inclusion and employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. The Manitoba Museum recognizes the importance of building a workforce reflective of the visitors it serves. Therefore, the Manitoba Museum supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this position. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. All applicants are encouraged to self-identify if they are members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities) in their application.

This document is available in other formats and accommodations will be provided throughout the selection process upon request. Contact Human Resources at 204-956-2830 if you have an accommodation request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted. We are not able to acknowledge receipt of applications submitted via Fax or mail.

Job Description

Pay Group: 3

General

Reporting to the Manager of School & Public Programs, the Learning Facilitator (Museum Galleries) delivers in-person and virtual interpretive programs on themes related to the Museum and assists in other public program events for the general public and organized groups. The incumbent must exercise initiative and independent judgment in working with the Museum’s various audiences while maintaining an energetic and lively approach. They must be able to work with minimal supervision and be available for weekday, weekend, and evening work. Fluency in English and French is a requirement of this position.

A criminal record with a vulnerable sector check and child abuse registry check will be required of the successful candidate.

Key Accountabilities & Typical Duties:

Priority 1: Interpretive Ambassador (55%)

To create a positive visitor experience by engaging, providing a proactive interpretive presence, and ensuring visitors’ safe, educational, and orderly interaction with Museum exhibits and programs.

Deliver booked in-person and virtual interpretive programs for the institution’s school and general public audience as per the daily schedule.
Perform all other ongoing functions related to program operation.
Answer inquiries from and provide information to the general public on all Museum programs, exhibits, and activities.
Learn pertinent information on departmental programs, permanent galleries, and temporary exhibits as required.

Priority 2: Program Maintenance (15%)

To assist in ensuring the functional operations of Museum programs and exhibits.

Setting up and taking down furniture, equipment, specimens, artifacts, and other program materials; operating A/V equipment daily according to programs scheduled.
Ensuring sufficient supply inventory for specific programs as assigned.
Other duties as reasonably assigned.

Priority 3: Internal Customer Service (10%)

To provide support for volunteers, other front-line staff, and upper-level teams to ensure a quality visitor experience.

Provide training and support of new staff and/or interns, as well as train, evaluate, and support Museum Gallery volunteers.
On weekends, schedule and supervise volunteers to ensure optimum program and exhibit coverage, and report on volunteer attendance and issues that may arise to managers.
Supporting and liaising with rental staff for special events.
Provide feedback and input to other staff and upper-level teams regarding the Museum’s programs, exhibits, and activities.
Researching program content and liaising with curatorial staff for exhibit or program content as needed.

Priority 4: Other

Other duties as reasonably assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Demonstrated skills in public speaking and program delivery.
Experience with digital technology for filming and streaming virtual programs.
Ability to communicate effectively including the talent to present programs and demonstrations efficiently and enthusiastically to a wide range of age and interest groups.
Capability to sense the dramatic nature of a presentation and respond to it appropriately during a performance.
Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to interact effectively with staff, volunteers, and the general public.
Knowledge of the Natural History and/or Human History of Manitoba.
Ability to perform basic research.
Ability to work in an organized manner, both independently and in a team environment.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Education, Training, and Experience

Grade XII education,
Fluency in both official languages (French / English) is required, and
At least one year of experience working with and presenting to the public, especially schoolchildren or,
Equivalent combination of education and experience.

This is a permanent part-time position beginning as soon as possible. Fluency in both official languages is required. The incumbent will report to the Manager of School & Public Programs. The wage range is $19.01 to $24.05 per hour. Flexible availability for 3-5 full day shifts on weekdays, weekends, and occasional evening shifts is essential.

The application deadline is Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 4:30 pm. Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Manager of Volunteer & Employee Relations
Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0N2
HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca
Fax: 942-3679

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted. We are not able to acknowledge receipt of applications submitted via Fax or mail.

Posted on: Friday November 8, 2024

First developed in 1974 as the “Urban Gallery,” this visitor favourite has undergone some major changes over the last four years. The gallery was always meant to represent Winnipeg in 1920, when it was Canada’s third largest city. Our goal with the transformation was to introduce more real history to the gallery, populate it more thoroughly, and explore the diversity of Winnipeg’s population at the time.

View down a street in the Winnipeg 1920 Cityscape of the Manitoba Museum. In the left foreground, a storefront identified as the Sing Wo Laundry, a male mannequin irons a shirt.

Ukrainian, Black, Chinese, Métis, and Jewish historical communities are all touched upon, as well as the important events of the 1919 Strike, women’s voting rights, and immigration. New businesses are included, such as the Ukrainian Booksellers, Darbey Taxidermy shop, Foote and James Photography Studio, the Colcleaugh Pharmacy, Strathcona Restaurant, Tribune Newspaper, and A & M Hurtig Furrier. To help bring these stories alive, we’ve included four video projections, three audio stations, twelve new mannequins, and hundreds of new artifacts.

Image: The Sing Wo laundry was once located on Euclid Ave. Discover the stories of hard work and dreams of family during a period of discrimination and Chinese exclusion. ©Manitoba Museum

People love this gallery because there is so much to explore, and it’s completely immersive. That hasn’t changed! You will still discover something new (or old) around every corner.

Here are some fun things to look for the next time you visit: a bizarre bison horn inkwell; a restored version of the 1920 HBC documentary film “Romance of the Far Fur Country”; an engaging discussion about women’s voting rights between Mrs. Garvin and her maid Alma; footage of a busy Portage Avenue filled with cars, trucks, bicycles, and pedestrians, but lacking any stop signs; Winnipeg Tribune grotesques (look up); and Hattie Colcleugh, one of the first female graduates from the Manitoba College of Pharmacy.

Edward Darbey’s Taxidermy shop, once located at 223 Main St., has been recreated and showcases numerous historical taxidermy specimens of the period. ©Manitoba Museum

The Hudson’s Bay Company documentary film “Romance of the Far Fur Country” was premiered at the Allen Theatre in Winnipeg in 1920 (now it’s the Met). We provide a short, edited version as an option, along with all the old Chaplin and Buster Keaton favourites. ©Manitoba Museum

Special thanks to The Manitoba Museum Foundation, the Province of Manitoba (Heritage Grant), and the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund for their support in making these exciting changes possible.

Explore Winnipeg 1920 and more at the Manitoba Museum! Click here to plan your visit today.

Dr. Roland Sawatzky

Curator of History

Roland Sawatzky joined The Manitoba Museum in 2011. He received his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Winnipeg, M.A. in Anthropology from the University of South Carolina, and Ph.D. in Archaeology…

Meet Dr. Roland Sawatzky

Posted on: Tuesday November 5, 2024

In profound sadness, we honour and remember Senator Murray Sinclair – “Mazina Giizhik” (the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky), a towering figure in history, whose legacy of courage, resilience, and fight for justice will endure for generations. Senator Sinclair stood as a true warrior, believing that through truth we could find our way to reconciliation, and that as a nation, we were not beyond redemption or unable to heal. We send our deepest condolences to Senator Sinclair’s children and grandchildren, his home community of Peguis First Nation, and all the communities who share in the grief of this immeasurable loss.

Senator Sinclair laid a path for us to continue on this journey; he was ever unwavering in his determination to change the course of history and to make right all the ways Canada had wronged Indigenous peoples. The Manitoba Museum Board of Governors, staff, and volunteers wish to express our deepest gratitude to Senator Murray Sinclair for the depth of knowledge and guidance he gifted to the Museum in the creation of its Indian Residential School exhibition. We will be forever indebted to this incredible leader, fearless advocate, and monumental Manitoban.

Image: Material republished with the express permission of: Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

Posted on: Friday October 11, 2024

By the time you read this, Earth will have not just one but two comets visiting our corner of the solar system. These objects remind us that our planet is part of a solar system that is dynamic and still has new objects awaiting discovery. With luck, both of these objects will be visible to the average person with the unaided eye.

A close look at an embroidered tapestry showing a small group of people pointing up towards a comet streaking across the sky.

Comets are small, icy bodies in our solar system which are left over from the formation of the solar system, kept “fresh” in the deep freeze of deep space. Occasionally, collisions or the gravity of an outer planet will push one in towards the Sun on a long, looping oval path. Closer to the Sun, the ice melts and releases a long tail of dust that can be seen from Earth. At any given time, there are a half-dozen or more comets in the sky, but most are invisible without a powerful telescope.

Image: Bright comets have been seen throughout recorded history, and have often been seen as evil omens. Comet Halley was visible in 1066 and was immortalized in the Bayeux tapestry.

Comet 2023 A3 (Tsuchinshen-ATLAS) was discovered last year and has put on an amazing show in the southern hemisphere in late September and early October. When it becomes visible from Canada in mid-October it should be an interesting sight for Manitobans throughout the fall. Meanwhile, a second comet called 2024 S1 (ATLAS) was recently discovered that may pass very close to the Sun at the end of October, perhaps becoming very bright… or disintegrating in the Sun’s heat.

A star map showing the orbit of Comet Tsuchinshen-ATLAS as it moves through our solar system.

The Orbit of Comet Tsuchinshen-ATLAS dives down from above the solar system (on the left of the image), passes close to the Sun, and then heads back up between Earth and Sun. Manitobans will see it as it passes above the Sun this month. © NASA SSD

A comet with a long, bright tail streaking through the night sky, perpendicular to the ground.

The Sky isn’t just starry wallpaper and Supermoons – there is a lot going on up there. You can find out how to see the planets and other celestial events by following the Manitoba Museum’s Astronomy blog at ManitobaMuseum.ca/Stories or taking in one of our exciting planetarium shows.

The stars belong to everyone, so join along as we explore the beauty and wonder of our universe.

Image: A sungrazing comet like Comet 2024 S1 (ATLAS) can put on an amazing show if it survives its passage around the Sun. This image shows sungrazing Comet McNaught, also known as “the Great Comet of 2007”.

Scott Young

Planetarium Astronomer

Scott is the Planetarium Astronomer at the Manitoba Museum, developing astronomy and science programs. He has been an informal science educator for thirty years, working in the planetarium and science centre field both at The Manitoba Museum and also at the Alice G. Wallace Planetarium in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Scott is an active amateur astronomer and a past-President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Posted on: Friday September 13, 2024

By Tabitha Harper, Museum Advisor on Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, & Amelia Fay, Curator of Anthropology and HBC Museum Collections

As we approach the annual National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, folks maybe be curious about their role in Truth & Reconciliation. Many Indigenous leaders and community members have urged that truth needs to come before reconciliation, followed by action to create meaningful impact. Museums have a uniquely important role in changing past narratives and practices to move forward with ReconciliACTION.

Although museums carry a lot of colonial baggage, the Manitoba Museum staff (past and present) have been working hard to make the Museum a safe space to learn about history. In-person visitors to the Museum can choose from various programs and exhibits to engage with difficult histories, we also have resources available on our website and YouTube channel that you can view from home.

The Orange Shirt Day Reflection Wall encourages you to share your thoughts and make a commitment to reconciliation. © Manitoba Museum

The digital kiosk in our Prairies Gallery Schoolhouse exhibit provides opportunities for learning and reflection about the truth of residential schools. © Manitoba Museum

Not sure where to begin? Below are a few topics that I think are a great starting place, no matter where you are in your reconciliation learning journey.

The colonial process in Canada started long before Confederation, so I encourage visitors to reconsider the history of the fur trade, including the early beginnings of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Learn more about the Hudson’s Bay Company Royal Charter in this video on our YouTube channel:

Take time to learn more about Residential Schools in Manitoba, visit the schoolhouse exhibit in the Prairies Gallery and use the digital kiosks embedded in the desks. You can also click here to see the same information on our website.

We are all vulnerable and learning when it comes to truth and reconciliation, but by understanding how we are going to engage, learn, and grow with Indigenous peoples, take a look at the ‘Indigenous Connections’ section in the Truth & Reconciliation page on our website, here.

Three individuals wearing Powwow regalia stand smiling with a Museum staff member wearing an orange t-shirt and a ribbon skirt.

During Orange Shirt Days, daily powwow demonstrations by Beautiful Cloud Company provides the opportunity to learn about the resilience of Indigenous culture. © Manitoba Museum

For many non-Indigenous readers, learning more about these topics might bring up a lot of feelings and make you uncomfortable, and that’s okay. The important thing is to not dismiss information that challenges what you knew about Canadian history, but instead sit with the discomfort and think about why you might feel this way. Moving forward, I recommend looking at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website for ‘ReconciliACTION Plans’ (nctr.ca/reconciliaction-plans) to create your own action plan.

A word graphic. On a teal circle to the right is an orange t-shirt with the words “Every Child Matters” on the front accompanied by a floral motif. Text to the left of it reads, “Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum / Every Child Matters / Sep 28 – 30 / 10 am – 4 pm / Complimentary admission. No ticket required.”

Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum

Join us for a time of learning, reflection, and response.

Three days of free admission to all areas September 28 – 30. No tickets required.

Tabitha Harper

Museum Advisor on Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Tabitha Harper began her role of Museum Advisor for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation in June 2024. In her role, Harper is instrumental in supporting and strengthening new and existing community relationships…

Meet Tabitha Harper

Dr. Amelia Fay

Curator of Anthropology & the HBC Museum Collection

Amelia Fay is Curator of Anthropology and the HBC Museum Collection at the Manitoba Museum. She received her BA in Anthropology from the University of Manitoba (2004), an MA in Archaeology…

Meet Dr. Amelia Fay

Museum Galleries

Planetarium

Science Gallery

Witness Scientific Discovery at the Manitoba Museum

Witness Scientific Discovery at the Manitoba Museum

Posted on: Friday December 13, 2024

Dr. Joe Moysiuk

Curator of Palaeontology & Geology

Find inspiration and community at Manitoba Museum Bead-a-Thon

Posted on: Thursday December 12, 2024

Giving to Our Community

Posted on: Monday December 9, 2024

New Permanent Exhibit Prowls into Manitoba Museum

Posted on: Tuesday December 3, 2024

Pink Floyd Planetarium Experience Retiring Permanently

Posted on: Wednesday November 13, 2024

Learning Facilitator (Bilingual French-English)

Job Description

General

Key Accountabilities & Typical Duties:

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Step into the Past: Winnipeg 1920

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Dr. Roland Sawatzky

Curator of History

The Passing of Senator Murray Sinclair

Posted on: Tuesday November 5, 2024

The Stars Belong to Everyone

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Scott Young

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Truth & Reconciliation

Posted on: Friday September 13, 2024

Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum

Tabitha Harper

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Dr. Amelia Fay

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