Rebecca Watson, Author at Manitoba Museum

Posted on: Monday May 31, 2021

A word graphic on an orange background reading,

The Manitoba Museum joins with all of Canada in extending our heartfelt condolences to the families and the communities who have been devastated by the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children who died at Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia. In doing this, we recognize both the profound loss that these children’s deaths represent and the story of erasure that this discovery exposes. We acknowledge and remember the 215 children who were loved, cared for, and missed by their loved ones – 215 children who are not forgotten, although their stories were silenced for so long.

The Manitoba Museum is committed to educating visitors about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these children and where possible, who they were, while calling upon all levels of government to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC’s) Calls to Action, particularly Calls 71 through 76 (Missing Children and Burial Information).

We also recognize that the story of the discovery of these children’s remains highlights the ongoing story of Indigenous child welfare in Canada. In keeping with this, we call upon all levels of government to respond promptly and wholeheartedly to the spirit and intent of the TRC’s Calls to Action, and especially to Calls 1-5 on Child Welfare.

#EveryChildMatters
#215Children

Promotional image for Dome@Home showing a two-toned orange illustration of the Planetarium dome overlaid on a photograph of a starry night sky. Text reads,

Winnipeg, MB (January 5, 2021): This Safe at Home Program starts January 7. The Manitoba Museum is pleased to announce the launch of DOME @HOME: The Stars Belong to Everyone. This FREE weekly web show will be delivered directly to the homes of Manitobans. Hosted by Planetarium Astronomer Scott Young, those curious about the sky can catch DOME@HOME starting January 7 at 7 pm and running every Thursday until March 25.

“The focus is on getting out under the real sky when you can, and with who you can, whether you live downtown or in the suburbs or in rural Manitoba,” says Planetarium Astronomer Scott Young. “Even within the lights of Winnipeg there are things you can see in the sky.”

“One of my personal heroes is Dr. Helen Sawyer Hogg, the first Canadian woman to earn her Ph.D. in Astronomy,” adds Young. “Besides doing amazing research, she also did a lot of public outreach, sharing the sky with the public. She used to say, ‘The Stars belong to everyone.’ That’s true – we can all look up at the stars and wonder, and gain that sense of discovery when we find something out there. It doesn’t matter if someone else discovered it a hundred years ago, when you see it for the first time you get that same sense of discovery that excites a love of science and nature.”

An individual wearing a headset sitting at a desk with two computer monitors under a darkened planetarium dome.

Planetarium Astronomer Scott Young at the Planetarium’s Digistar projection controls.

Each DOME@HOME episode will have segments to help identify stars and planets, discuss space exploration, answer questions from the audience, and offer hands-on activities for participants to complete at home.

Details for all the DOME@HOME programs are available on the Manitoba Museum website. Registration to participate on Zoom is required; however, anyone can join in live, via Facebook.

DOME@HOME is sponsored by Province of Manitoba’s Safe at Home initiative, which offers Manitobans new online arts, culture, and entertainment content so they can follow public health orders and stay at home as much as possible.

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Jody Tresoor
Manager of Marketing & Communications
E: jtresoor@manitobamuseum.ca
T: 204-988-0614 • C: 204-228-2374

Winnipeg, MB (January 23, 2020): Update: the Tribute Gala will now take place virtually on April 15, 2021. The Manitoba Museum will honour the leaders of tomorrow at its annual Tribute Gala on April 23, 2020. This year, for it’s 50th anniversary, the Museum has taken a new approach to its annual Tribute Gala.

“Traditionally, the gala evening has celebrated the contributions of well-established individuals and organizations whose leadership and philanthropy have shaped our city and our province,” says James Cohen, Chair of the Museum’s Board of Governors. “This year, as we celebrate our last 50 years and consider our future, the Museum asked past Tribute honourees to identify leaders of tomorrow. These people have the vision and drive to propel Manitoba’s future for the next 10, 20, or even 50 years.”

To determine these leaders, past honourees and the Museum Board of Governors considered who might be community champions that reflect the makeup of Manitoba – the next generation of visionaries, philanthropists and community leaders. The following five dedicated and influential individuals were selected.

ABDIKHEIR AHMED has extensive experience working with immigrant and refugee communities in Winnipeg’s inner city and is a passionate advocate for immigrants and refugees in Canada. He is the Director of the Immigration Partnership Winnipeg (IPW) and previously served as the Executive Director of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) Inc.

Abdi has received numerous awards for his work creating life-changing opportunities for new Canadians. He was a CBC Manitoba Future 40 Finalist in 2014 and is the recipient of the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, one of the Province of Manitoba’s highest honors, for his work advocating for refugees and building bridges with Canadian communities.

HILARY DRUXMAN dedicates her unwavering passion, artistry and expertise to jewelry design and handcrafted production. She channeled this drive to create the Good Works initiative, designing unique jewelry for local and national charities, with more than $500,000 in profits from sales donated back to them.

Passion and perseverance, talent and skill, strong leadership and an unfailing sense of humor are the cornerstones of Hilary’s success. She established Hilary Druxman Design in 1994 and her work has been showcased in Toronto, New York and global markets; and featured in fashion and industry magazines, retail stores and advertising in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

JAIMIE ISAAC is a Winnipeg-based curator and interdisciplinary artist, and a member of Sagkeeng First Nation. She holds a degree in Art History and a Masters of Arts, with research focus on Indigenous Curatorial Praxis, and methodologies in decolonizing and Indigenizing.

At the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Jaimie has curated and co-curated many shows featuring Indigenous artists exploring their current and past experiences through art. She has also independently curated and worked on national collaboration projects.

An advocate for Indigenous representation, Jaimie is an advisor for many organizations. She was one of the Canada Council’s Indigenous delegation at the 2017 Venice Biennale, the International Curatorial Exchange in Finland, and EXPO Chicago. Jaimie has contributed content related to Indigenous creative expression to various art publications and projects. She has also presented her research at symposiums and conferences in North America and Europe.

NIIGAAN SINCLAIR commented in and wrote for international and national print media for years before joining the Winnipeg Free Press as a columnist in 2018. In May of 2019, his work at the Free Press was recognized with the top columnist award by the prestigious National Newspaper Awards.

Niigaan, who is Anishinaabe-born and grew up in Treaty One territory, is also an associate professor at the University of Manitoba. He is also a recovering high school teacher.

HANNAH TAYLOR began raising funds and awareness for Canada’s homeless at age 7. She founded The Ladybug Foundation and raised millions of dollars for more than 65 shelters, food banks, missions, and other organizations across Canada that support people who are hungry, homeless, and living on the street.

The Ladybug Foundation Education Program developed and distributed a multimedia classroom resource to empower young people to make a difference in their world. That project evolved into a free website to access video, music, lessons, and other elements for use in schools.

Hannah had January 31 declared National Red Scarf Day in Canada to raise awareness of homelessness issues, together with her annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes fundraisers.

She has spoken at more than 350 conferences and events in around the world and her simple message of caring and sharing has been spread to millions of people. Hannah has been recognized for her influence with service and humanitarian awards and received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

The Manitoba Museum is thrilled to have James Richardson & Sons, Limited as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 Tribute Gala.

“Honouring the leaders of tomorrow at the Tribute 2020 Gala is an excellent example of how the Manitoba Museum has devoted 50 years to connecting our past to our future,” says Hartley Richardson, President & Chief Executive Officer of James Richardson & Sons, Limited, noting that his late father, George T. Richardson, was honoured at the first Tribute Gala in 2005. “JRSL is proud to continue our long-standing support of the Manitoba Museum as it educates and enriches our community.”

Proceeds from the Tribute Gala support the Manitoba Museum’s Access for All community initiative, which provides complimentary Museum visits for more than 35,000 individuals living with special circumstances each year. Contributions to the 2020 Tribute Gala will make an impact by helping the Museum create memorable learning experiences that build pride in Manitoba and tell the province’s essential stories, bridging language, culture, ethnicity, and age.

2020 Tribute Gala Honourary Committee
Honourary Chair: James E. Cohen
Emcee: Raif Richardson

Members:

Gail Asper
Doneta Brotchie
Bob Cox
Albert El Tassi
Susan Glass
Diane Gray
Gregg Hanson
Mary Hanson
Don Leitch
Nick Logan
Susan Millican
Hartley Richardson
H. Sanford Riley
Paul Samyn
Murray Taylor
Arni Thorsteinson

The 16th annual Tribute Gala will take place in Alloway Hall on April 23, 2020. For information about reserving tables, buying tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and/or to make a donation to the Access for All community initiative, please contact Lynne Stefanchuk 204-988-0629 or email lstefanchuk@manitobamuseum.ca.

Past Tribute Honourees – Winnipeg Free Press (2019); Abdo (Albert) El Tassi & Samira El Tassi (2018); Gregg & Mary Hanson (Ambassadors for Canada 150 Celebration in (2017); Sanford H. Riley (2016); The Winnipeg Foundation (2015); Doug Harvey (2014); Susan Lewis & United Way Winnipeg (2013); Kerry Hawkins (2012); Ambassador Gary Doer (2011); The Chipman Family (2010); Babs & Gail Asper (2009); Kevin & Els Kavanagh (2008); Lawrie Pollard (2007); Murray Taylor & Investors Group Inc. (2006); and George T. Richardson (2005).

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For interviews or more information, contact:
Jody Tresoor
Communications Specialist, Manitoba Museum
w: 204-988-0614 c: 204-228-2374
jtresoor@manitobamuseum.ca

Winnipeg, MB (November 1, 2018): The Manitoba Museum will honour the Winnipeg Free Press at its annual Tribute Gala on April 4, 2019. The annual Tribute celebrates the contributions of individuals and organizations whose leadership and philanthropy have shaped our city and our province. The Winnipeg Free Press has been an integral part of the community representing the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of its readers. It is a leading source of local news, information, and debate and shares Manitoba’s voice on national and international issues. The 146-year-old newspaper will be represented at the Gala by co-owners Robert Silver and Ronald Stern.

Established in 1872, the Winnipeg Free Press is the oldest newspaper in Western Canada. It is two years younger than the province of Manitoba, which joined Confederation in 1870, and two years older than the city of Winnipeg, which was incorporated in 1874. The Museum has had a lasting partnership with the Free Press – editorial coverage, advertising, and unique events such as the Treaty 1 anniversary celebration with the Treaty Commission of Manitoba, Manitoba Business Council, and the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre.

“We are proud to celebrate the newspaper that has been around as long as our community, recording its growth and development, and commenting on issues that affect Manitoba and the world,” says James Cohen, Chair of the Manitoba Museum’s Board of Governors. “The Manitoba Museum is grateful to the people and organizations that support our mission to shape Manitoba’s future by expanding knowledge, sharing stories, and encouraging discovery.”

The Winnipeg Free Press is the largest independent newspaper in Canada. Its majority owners are Ronald Stern and Robert Silver. Ron and Bob both have strong roots in Manitoba. Ron, who was born in Saskatchewan and now lives in Vancouver, maintains ties to Winnipeg, where he was raised. Bob is well-known and respected in the Winnipeg business community and valued as a go-to person for insight, advice, and leadership.

”The personal and corporate philanthropic commitments held by Bob Silver, Ron Stern, and the Winnipeg Free Press encourage positive change and growth in our community,” says Diane Gray. “I am proud to Chair the Tribute 2019 Honourary Committee.”

Each year, the Winnipeg Free Press directly supports more than 100 community organizations with sponsorships and advertising grants, promoting events, causes, and accomplishments that help build the city and province. The list ranges from hospitals, universities, and museums to festivals, the arts, parties, and fun runs. Annually, the newspaper organizes direct fundraising drives to benefit the Christmas Cheer Board, providing Christmas hampers to the needy, and the Manitoba Camping Association, allowing more than 600 youths to go to summer camps. The newspaper is also diligent in its coverage of what is happening locally, publicizing the work of countless groups that contribute to the well-being and vibrancy of Winnipeg.

Visionary ownership, as well as superior editorial and management staff, have provided the Free Press with the journalistic and commercial leadership required to maintain its position as the largest selling newspaper in Manitoba. The newspaper business is a precarious one these days. What newspapers bundled, the internet has unbundled. The internet allows consumers to go directly to their desired content without opening a newspaper. However Ron Stern is proud of the way the Free Press is adjusting to the challenges facing the newspaper industry.

The newspaper has won an award in the Best Use of Mobile category at the INMA Global Media Awards and frequently receives nominations from the National Newspaper Awards, the Canadian Journalism Foundation, the INMA Global Media Awards, and the News Photographers Association of Canada. And in a recent study by the Public Policy Forum, the Winnipeg Free Press is described as “the most innovative and journalistically committed paper in Western Canada.”

Co-owner Ronald N. Stern graduated from the School of Law at the University of British Columbia in 1972. Mr. Stern is the founder and president of Stern Partners, which is involved in the ownership and operation of numerous companies. In addition to supporting various non-profit activities through Western Glove Works, the R & J Stern Family Foundation is an active supporter of a number of cultural, educational, and health organizations in Canada.

Ron serves, or has served, on a variety of corporate and community boards, including the Vancouver Airport Authority, Vancouver East Cultural Centre, Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation, Vancouver Symphony Society, Canadian Council of Israel and Jewish Advocacy, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Vancouver, and Science World British Columbia.

“I am proud of the Winnipeg Free Press and our involvement with it over the past 17 years,” said Ron. “We are committed to preserving the newspaper’s strong traditions of journalistic excellence and community service.”

Bob Silver is President & Co-owner of Western Glove Works Ltd., a family-owned business dating back to 1921. The company markets its well-known Silver Jeans with the motto: “Be present. Be inspired. Be authentic…Be Silver.” The company has distinguished itself as a leader in corporate responsibility by developing a program to ensure awareness of and protection for all basic human rights. Bob is Ron’s partner in Western Glove Works and various other businesses, including Warehouse One, Urban Barn, and Comark retail businesses.

Bob and his businesses are generous supporters of the Manitoba Museum, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery Inuit Art Centre. He serves on the boards of Centre Port Canada, First Peoples Economic Growth Fund, the RBC Convention Centre, Canadian Apparel Federation, Winnipeg Library Foundation, is a past chair of United Way of Winnipeg and is Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg.

Learning they were to be honoured at the Manitoba Museum’s Tribute Gala, Bob Silver, om behalf of himself and Ron Stern, said, “This is an honour shared by everyone who has been associated with the Winnipeg Free Press, from William Luxton and John Kenny, who started the paper in a rented shack on Main Street, to the current staff who work hard every day to build on that tradition.”

Proceeds from Tribute support the Manitoba Museum’s Access for All community initiative, which provides complimentary Museum visits for more than 60,000 individuals living with special circumstances each year. Contributions to Tribute 2019 will provide impact and help the Museum create memorable learning experiences that build pride in Manitoba and tell the province’s essential stories, bridging language, culture, ethnicity, and age.

Tribute 2019 Honourary Committee
Chair: Diane Gray
Emcee: Paul Samyn

Members:
Lloyd N. Axworthy, PC C.C. O.M.
Stephen D. Borys
Tony Catanese, CA, CFE, CA-CBV
Kevin Chief
Bob Cox
Sophie Gaulin
Margo Goodhand
Scott Greenlay
Jonathan B. Kroft
Scott MacKay, MA, CMRP
Mariette Mulaire, CITP / FIBP
Hartley T. Richardson, C.M., O.M., LL.D.
H. Sanford Riley, C.M., O.M., LL.D.
Annette Trimbee

The 15th annual Tribute Gala will take place in Alloway Hall on April 4, 2019. For information about reserving tables, buying tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and/or to make a donation to the Access for All community initiative, please contact Jakee Werbuk at 204-988-0629 or email jwerbuk@manitobamuseum.ca.

Past Tribute Honourees – Abdo (Albert) El Tassi and Samira El Tassi (2018); Gregg & Mary Hanson (Ambassadors for Canada 150 Celebration in 2017); Sanford H. Riley (2016); The Winnipeg Foundation (2015); Doug Harvey (2014); Susan Lewis & United Way Winnipeg (2013); Kerry Hawkins (2012); Ambassador Gary Doer (2011); The Chipman Family (2010); Babs & Gail Asper (2009); Kevin & Els Kavanagh (2008); Lawrie Pollard (2007); Murray Taylor & Investors Group Inc. (2006); and George T. Richardson (2005).

Posted on: Wednesday October 24, 2018

Image above: In late autumn, the search for fossils in the Grand Rapids Uplands can be cold yet rewarding. Dave Rudkin of the Royal Ontario Museum visits a collecting site on a cold October morning.

Blog by Dr. Graham Young, past Curator of Palaeontology & Geology

This year, our Museum foyer has featured an exhibit of unusual fossils in the New Acquisitions Case. This exhibit, Finding the Impossible: Unique Tropical Fossils from William Lake, Manitoba, included a video “slide show” that documented the expeditions during which we collected these fossils. My colleague remarked to me the other day that this slide show should be shared widely using the Museum blog; this post, and some subsequent ones, will do just that!

The exhibit panel’s text gives a brief outline of the project:

How does an animal become a fossil? How is a fossil jellyfish even possible? Only bones, teeth and shells are commonly fossilized, while soft tissues rot or are eaten by scavengers. Jellyfish and other soft tissue fossils are not quite impossible, but they are very rare, preserved only in unusual environments.

The fossils at William Lake are 445 million years old, dating from the Ordovician Period of geological time. They represent creatures that lived along a tropical shore when Manitoba straddled the equator. The remarkable preservation resulted from low oxygen and high salt levels in lagoons.

These specimens were collected by a Manitoba Museum research team, collaborating with scientists from the Royal Ontario Museum and University of Saskatchewan, and students from the University of Manitoba. During fieldwork in central Manitoba in 2000, we discovered the first of these soft-tissue fossils. Through hard on-the-ground work, we located the site. We travelled there numerous times, excavating thin dolostone (limestone) layers to extract the specimens displayed here.

The first part of the accompanying slide show provided some background on Manitoba limestones, and shared the experience of travel to the Grand Rapids Uplands of northern Manitoba. I hope you will enjoy these images.

Manitoba is famous for its Ordovician-age limestones (shown here in the Manitoba Legislative Building) …

… such as the fossil-rich Tyndall Stone. The fossil on the right is the receptaculitid Fisherites. This is a member of an extinct group of organisms; it is commonly called a “sunflower coral”, but was most likely a green alga (“seaweed”).

These limestones formed on a tropical seafloor about 450 million years ago (this is the Ordovician seafloor diorama in our Earth History Gallery).

To go from this seafloor to the shore (photo: Graham Young) …

… we must pack our gear (photo: David Rudkin) …

… and travel north (photo: Michael Cuggy) …

… to the Grand Rapids area.

Morning weather can be varied …

… as we get on the road, northward again …

… toward William Lake, in the middle of Manitoba.

The beautiful wilderness of the Grand Rapids Uplands …

… is home to a great variety of animals …

… and plants (upper left photo: Michael Cuggy).

Hydro lines span the landscape.

Limestone bedrock is very close to the land surface.

This limestone is home to many fossils.

To be continued . . . next time I will talk about the fossil collecting process, with many graphic images of dusty and hot, or cold and wet paleontologists!

Museum Stories: Palaeontology & Geology

Palaeontology & Geology

Wednesday March 19, 2025

Winnipeg, MB (October 10, 2018): The Manitoba Museum has received the International Guardians of Culture and Lifeways Outstanding Project by a Non-Native Organization award from the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) for its Spirit Lines education project. As a part of the 2018 International Conference, the award (a medallion and certificate) was presented today to Dr. Maureen Matthews, the Manitoba Museum’s Curator of Cultural Anthropology, by Walter Echo-Hawk, Board Chair for ATALM. Spirit Lines, an outreach project with two Canadian First Nations communities, was a collaborative and innovative initiative, merging Indigenous heritage and museum expertise to preserve part of a cultural history that may have otherwise been lost.

“The Manitoba Museum is honoured to be the recipient of this prestigious international award,” says Claudette Leclerc, Executive Director and CEO of the Manitoba Museum. “This award affirms the importance of collaboration and connection with Indigenous people as museums work to build relationships with communities whose collections we hold in trust.”

The Spirit Lines project was conceived by Dr. Matthews who discovered a 200-page binder containing oral history transcripts in the Manitoba Museum’s holdings that had been collected by the late Anishininni artist Jackson Beardy while he was employed at the Museum in the early 1970s. The idea of returning these stories to the communities where Jackson Beardy first recorded them became the inspiration for the Spirit Lines project. Heritage Canada’s Museum Assistance Program funded the creation of education kits for schools in Garden Hill First Nation, Jackson Beard`s home reserve, and Norway House First Nation.

The Spirit Lines project privileged community collaboration and creative working relationships with community leaders including Elders, teachers and school administrators. Richard Laurin, the Education Kit Developer, worked with Byron Beardy, Jackson Beardy’s son, to engage community experts and Elders. Partners in the Spirit Lines project include David Swanson, Superintendent of Frontier School Division; David Flett, Director of Education at Garden Hill Education Authority; David Williamson, Dean of Education at University College of the North, and many community members who read stories, translated and transcribed texts and replicated artifacts.

A computer keyboard with English, Ininiwag, and Anishininiwag syllabics on the keys.

The kits contain a wide array of materials ranging from audio recordings voiced by community members and replica artifacts created by local artisans to instructions for making such traditional items as snowshoes and birch bark baskets. In addition, five bilingual publications provide educational materials to facilitate local language teaching. These include a Cree dictionary and transcriptions of the kit’s oral histories with side-by-side translations in English, Ininiwag or Anishininiwag languages in English orthography and syllabics. A unique feature of the Spirit Lines project is the inclusion of Unicode syllabic keyboards, enabling teachers to digitize syllabic lesson plans and communicate across computer networks using Ininiwag and Anishininiwag syllabics.

“The Spirit Lines project was an opportunity to use our collections and expertise to highlight the oral traditions, artifacts, and languages of Norway House and Garden Hill First Nations,” says Dr. Matthews. “Working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, the Manitoba Museum has provided a rich cultural resource for Indigenous teachers, bringing the oral histories collected by Jackson Beardy back to life for the students of today and making them available for generations to come.”

In November 2017, the Manitoba Museum Spirit Lines project also received the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Museums: History Alive! presented by Governor General of Canada Julie Payette. This award recognizes institutions that demonstrate excellence in the presentation, preservation, and interpretation of Canadian history.

ATALM is an international non-profit organization that maintains a network of support for Indigenous programs, provides culturally relevant programming and services, encourages collaboration among tribal and non-tribal cultural institutions, and articulates contemporary issues related to developing and sustaining the cultural sovereignty of Native Nations. Established in 2007, the awards program identifies and recognizes organizations and individuals who serve as outstanding examples of how Indigenous archives, libraries, and museums contribute to the vitality and cultural sovereignty of Native Nations.

Winnipeg, MB (November 30, 2017): The Manitoba Museum’s annual Tribute Gala will honour Abdo (Albert) El Tassi, C.M., O.M., LL.D. and Samira El Tassi on May 24 at the Museum’s Alloway Hall. The El Tassis are widely known and recognized as sincere, passionate donors. They work tirelessly to promote understanding, tolerance and respect across the globe.

“The Manitoba Museum has a tremendous appreciation for those who support our mission, and great admiration for those who give globally as well as in their home community,” says Scott Craig, Chair of the Manitoba Museum’s Board of Governors. “Albert and Samira El Tassi are such donors. The beginning of their story is similar to that of many people coming to Canada for the opportunities our country has to offer. Their ongoing story of generosity and giving back to the community is an inspiration for us all.”

“The world is a much better place thanks to people like Albert and Samira El Tassi. Children are safer, immigrants are supported, families are hopeful, and businesses are encouraged. The support of their global community, through not only financial contributions but generous donations of their time to non-profit organizations, is truly inspiring,” says Dave Angus. “I am proud to Chair the Tribute 2018 Honourary Committee celebrating the El Tassis and their spirit of community support.”

Learning they were to be honoured at the Manitoba Museum’s Tribute Gala, Albert El Tassi said, “Awards and honours mean so much to us because they can motivate other people to do more and help build their drive to improve communities. We are honoured to be recognized for our work and hope our commitments will encourage others to give back to our community.”

Proceeds from Tribute support the Manitoba Museum’s Access for All community initiative, which provides complimentary Museum visits to more than 60,000 individuals living with special circumstances each year. Contributions to Tribute 2018 will provide impact and help the Museum create memorable learning experiences that build pride in Manitoba and tell the province’s essential stories, bridging language, culture, ethnicity and age.

Mr. El Tassi was born and raised in Kherbetrouha, Lebanon, where he was a schoolteacher and principal. He immigrated to Winnipeg in 1969 and his first job was loading trucks at Peerless Garments. In 1975, he became a proud Canadian citizen. He continued at Peerless Garments, working his way up until he was appointed General Manager in 1979 and by 2006, he became President and CEO. Since that time he has increased the company’s annual sales from $3 to $45 million. Mrs. El Tassi was born in Brazil. The couple met when Albert was visiting family in Brazil and they married shortly after, in May of 1976. Three years later she became a Canadian citizen.

The El Tassi’ s have four children and eighteen grandchildren of their own, but have made the world their family and have made the education and well-being of the children of the world a top priority in their giving. They have donated millions of dollars to charities dedicated to improving the lives of children including: Free the Children, Sick Kids Foundation, SOS Children’s Villages Canada, UNICEF, Variety: the Children’s Charity, the United Way, World Vision, International Disaster Relief, Winnipeg Harvest, and Habitat for Humanity. They also support organizations that advance human rights such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, University of Manitoba Indigenous Success, the Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival, and many educational institutions.

One of the founders of the Islamic Social Services Association of Manitoba, the Al Hijra Islamic School, the Canadian Islamic Chamber of Commerce and a Mosque in Thompson, Albert and Samira El Tassi are dedicated to their heritage, their faith and their world family. Mr. El Tassi is a member of the Arab Jewish Dialogue group, which helps bolster relations between differing cultures and religions in Canada. They have also sponsored immigrants, providing interest-free loans and university tuition.

Mr. El Tassi’s involvement on corporate and non-profit boards includes: the World Trade Centre, The Winnipeg Foundation, and the Canadian Textile Industry, Manitoba and Winnipeg Chambers of Commerce, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, St-Boniface Hospital Foundation, and the Canadian Forces Liaison Council.

Mr. El Tassi, with the support of Mrs. El Tassi, has received many awards and honours including: the 2012 Gold Heart Humanitarian of the Year award from Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba, outstanding Philanthropist of the Year in 2013 from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, the Orders of Canada and Manitoba, the Canadian Red Cross 2012 Humanitarian of the Year, and Honourary Doctors of Law from University of Manitoba 2013. In recognition of contributions to the community made by their family, a green space on Talbot Avenue was named El Tassi Park in January 2017. Mr. El Tassi was also named Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and was Honorary Chair of the Manitoba Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada. He is the largest personal contributor to the Military Family Fund, which provides support to families of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Tribute 2018 Honourary Committee
Chair: Dave Angus
Members:
Austin C. Abas, FCPA, FCA
Dr. Asim Ashique BSc(Hons), MSc, DC, FCCOS(C)
Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL.D.
Mayor Brian Bowman
Doneta Brotchie
Diane Gray
Ibrahim “Obby” Khan, BSc Kin(Hons)
Arthur V. Mauro, O.C., O.M., Q.C.
Larry McIntosh
Priti Mehta-Shah, FCPA, FCA, CBV, CF
Sofia Mirza, BSc (Maj.), BA, LL.B.
Mariette Mulaire, CITP / FIBP
Loren Remillard
H. Sanford Riley, C.M., O.M., LL.D.

The 14th annual Tribute Gala will take place in Alloway Hall on May 24, 2018. For information about reserving tables, buying tickets, Tribute sponsorship opportunities, and/or to make a donation to the Access for All community initiative, please contact Janet Rheault, Corporate Partnerships Manager at 204-988-0629 or email jrheault@manitobamuseum.ca.

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Past Tribute Honourees – Gregg & Mary Hanson (Ambassadors for 2017); Sanford H. Riley (2016); The Winnipeg Foundation (2015); Doug Harvey (2014); Susan Lewis & United Way Winnipeg (2013); Kerry Hawkins (2012); Ambassador Gary Doer (2011); The Chipman Family (2010); Babs & Gail Asper (2009); Kevin & Els Kavanagh (2008); Lawrie Pollard (2007); Murray Taylor & Investors Group Inc. (2006); and George T. Richardson (2005).

Winnipeg, MB (March 17, 2017): The Manitoba Museum recently delivered a dozen educational kits to schools in two northern Manitoba communities. These kits, the products of a project called SPIRIT LINES, were developed to re-introduce oral histories and physical specimens to the communities of Norway House Cree Nation and Garden Hill First Nation. The artifacts are currently in the Museum’s collections but originate from these two communities and include embroidered mitts, watch pockets, and rock sculptures, among other items.

The Museum collaborated with many members of each community in the development of the SPIRIT LINES kits. In particular, Byron Beardy, the son of the late artist Jackson Beardy and the originally collector of the oral histories on the 1970s, contributed his interpretation and translations skills to the project. SPIRIT LINES also actively engaged with experts and Elders from the communities to ensure relevant and meaningful content was produced. These partners included teachers, Native language specialists, Band councillors, school administration, local sculptors and beaders, as well as local education consultants.

The SPIRIT LINES kits comprise a set of resources that focus on language retention and acquisition, and showcase artistic achievement in both communities. In particular, SPIRIT LINES has published five books (three photo books and two text books) and recorded 20 oral histories and legends for these kits. In keeping with a community-focused approach, resources developed for Norway House have been translated into Swampy Cree and those for Garden Hill into Anihshininiimowin (Oji-Cree).

In late February and early March Richard Laurin, the developer of the kit traveled to both communities to deliver and introduce them at each school in the communities. While in Norway House, he also delivered kits to University College of the North to be used in their Northern Teacher Training programs. “The feedback from the communities was very positive. In particular, the Garden Hill the Native Language teachers were very excited with their new syllabic enabled keyboards, says Laurin. “As for Norway House, teachers and students alike were keen to test their traditional knowledge of snowshoe making by trying their hand at weaving the snowshoe templates provided in the kits.”

The SPIRIT LINES project was fully funded through the Museum Assistance Program (MAP) of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Posted on: Tuesday June 28, 2016

By Maureen Matthews, past Curator of Anthropology

Jacob Owen of Pauingassi was always cheerfully willing to explain the complexities of Ojibwe history and philosophy with stories from his own life. Margaret Simmons, who conducted this interview, was the Director of Education in Pauingassi at the time. She is a warm and open person with a positive genius for respectfully conversing with old people and her unique talent made my visits to Pauingassi and over 300 hours of Anishinaabe language recordings possible. The equally brilliant and even more patient Anishinaabe linguist, Roger Roulette, has been gradually transcribing and translating the Pauingassi recordings. He just finished this one today and it contains a remarkable discussion in Anishinaabemowin about the old Anishinaabe and their skill at making pots out of clay.

A black and white portrait of a seated older man from the side, smiling and laughing behind his hand.

Jacob was over 90 at the time of the interview, the oldest man in the community. He spoke very little English and had lived his whole life in Pauingassi. He most definitely had not read scholarly reports about archaeological discoveries of 500 year old clay pots made by his ancestors and yet, here he is, talking about how incredibly skillful his ancestors were at making these beautifully decorated pots. The conversation veers off after this, in part because Margaret, a very good modern speaker, doesn’t know the word for “clay, waabigan” but this short quote from Jacob’s conversation is an indication of the extent to which one can rely on First Nations oral historical accounts for the truth about the distant past. By the way, Roger says that the verb to fire a pot is zakizo (va) to burn an animate thing. The idea of a kiln is expressed in the verb boodawaash (ca) which means to superheat something animate.

Image: Jacob Owen, Pauingassi Manitoba. 1996.

Original (Anishinaabemowin)	Translation (English)
JO: Daabishkoo, gigikendaan ina ‘iwe gaa-ijigaadeg, aadizookaanag gaa-ijigaadeg?	JO: It’s like…you know what they mean by that, what they mean by aadizookaanag (legendary heroes)?
MS: Eya’.	MS: Yes.
JO: Daabishkoo mii gaa-inendaagoziwaad igiweniwag Anishinaabeg nishtam gaa-gii-bimi-ayaawaad. Bigo gegoon gaye ogii-ozhitoonaawaa’. Wiinawaa bigo.	JO: The first Anishinaabeg that existed, this is what they’re comparable to (the legendary heroes). Also, they were able to make anything. They, themselves.
Nashke aya’aa, akik. Waabigan gaa-onji-ayaawaad. I’iya’aawan nda gii-onizhishiwag. Eji-, eji debakamig gidaa-ikid e-gii-mookaakizowaad. Ndawaaj gii-onizhishiwag.	For instance, a pot (vessel) (noun animate). They made them from clay. My, they were beautiful. You would have said they were incredible. The visible images (on the pots), undoubtedly, they were beautiful.
MS: Aaniin dino akikwag? Asiniiwi-akikwag?	MS: What kind of vessel? Stone vessels?
JO: Bibagiziwag. Gii-bibagiziwag. Waabigan daabishkoo. I’iwe dash waakaa-aya’ii gii-mazine’aawaad gaye, ndawaaj gii-onizhishiwag.	JO: They’re thin. They were thin. It was the nature of clay. However, they had images/patterns around (the pot). My, but they were beautiful.
Zhigwa ayi’ii naanaagadawendamaan, awegodogwen gaa-omookomaaniwaad nishtam?	Well, when I think about it, I wonder what they used for a knife (to incise the designs) at that time, at the outset?

Museum Stories: Anthropology

Anthropology

Tuesday August 3, 2021

Treaty Number One Medals at the Manitoba Museum tell a First Nations Story

For the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of Treaty Number One, three Treaty medals from the Manitoba Museum will be on display at Lower Fort Garry. Although these medals were used by …

Anthropology

Tuesday June 28, 2016

Ancient pottery making described in new Anishinaabemowin translation

Jacob Owen of Pauingassi was always cheerfully willing to explain the complexities of Ojibwe history and philosophy with stories from his own life. Margaret Simmons, who conducted this interview…

Anthropology

Thursday November 5, 2015

Chief Piapot and the Qu’Appelle Treaty

This is an image of an original 1875 handwritten parchment document related to the signing of Treaty No. 4., the “Qu’appelle Treaty”, temporarily on display at the museum …

Posted on: Thursday March 17, 2016

By Dr. Graham Young, past Curator of Palaeontology & Geology

As you may know if you look at this page occasionally, for the past couple of years we have been working with a beautiful fossil of a pliosaurid plesiosaur, which was collected by Wayne Buckley from western Manitoba. We are now at the stage of preparing a permanent exhibit of the fossil, which will be installed in the Earth History Gallery this summer. So we have been very busy in the past little while!

Much of my own work involves the planning of the exhibit: writing copy for the panels, selecting images and graphics, collaborating with the designer, and working with grants and budgets to ensure that everything is on track. While I am doing this, some of the other staff are carrying out very creative and exciting work: the designer, of course, but also those who are building cases, engineering hanging mounts for a skeletal reconstruction, and figuring out lighting and other technical issues.

Debbie Thompson considers the splendid mount that she is creating for the pliosaur skull.

The skull rests on a bed of artificial shale, constructed from a sculpting material over a wire frame filled with spray foam.

A sturdy steel frame supports the entire mass of skeleton and mount.

As these photos show, one of the most creative tasks is that of artist Debbie Thompson, who is making an artificial stone (shale) bed that will surround the original fossils so that they will look almost the same as they did when they were first discovered. When Debbie’s work is done, I think that many visitors will mistake her “rock” for the real thing, but as these photos show, this is only achieved through tremendous focus and patience.

Debbie fits pieces of “shale” that she has created to cover the skull edges. The skull had to be inserted on its own separate support mount that “slots” into place, so these smaller pieces are needed to hide the edges of that support.

The numbers represent all the pieces Debbie has sculpted to cover the edges of the separate support.

When Debbie had finished preparing all the “shale” for the skull surround, we needed to remove the skull to put it safely away. Here, Bert Valentin and Sean Workman move a specially adapted drywall lift.

Chains suspended from the drywall lift are attached into loops on the skull support.

As the skull is lifted, Bert makes sure that everything is kept straight. Note the yellow jacks on which the skull support rested; these allowed for very smooth lowering or raising of the support.

At its full height, the skull support is clear of the mount, and the entire lift can be rotated.

The skull is lowered to the cart that will transport it back to storage, where it will be safe until we are ready for the final installation in the Earth History Gallery.