Winnipeg, MB: January 30, 2024 – The Manitoba Museum will honour two prominent Manitobans at its annual Tribute Gala on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Community leaders James Cohen and Linda McGarva-Cohen will share the honours at the gala event with proceeds supporting the Manitoba Museum’s Access for All community initiative.

The 2024 Tribute Gala will celebrate and highlight the exceptional contributions made by James and Linda during a conversation with award-winning Canadian broadcast journalist, Shelagh Rogers.

“The Manitoba Museum is an iconic institution in our city and province. It tells the stories of our First Peoples and the generations of others who followed from all over the world. We are all part of the fabric of this great place and the Museum strives to bring all of us together in the hopes of learning about the past and helping to create the path to a promising future. Linda and I are so appreciative to be recognized by this treasured member of our cultural community.” – James Cohen

Funds raised through the annual Manitoba Museum Tribute Gala support the Access for All community initiative by removing financial, social, and cultural barriers to visitation. Through this initiative, the Museum aims to further grow, diversify, and engage new audiences and create a place that belongs to all Manitobans. This involves the continual reflection and assessment of research, collections, exhibitions, and programs to enhance their relevance to Manitoba’s diverse populations including ethnicity, culture, age, gender, and abilities. One of the Access for All initiatives is providing Manitobans access to the Museum at no charge – those Manitobans who would otherwise not have the opportunity to engage in memorable learning experiences that bridge our understanding and love of history, nature, and science with today’s reality and hopes for the future.

The Manitoba Museum 19th annual Tribute Gala will take place in Alloway Hall on April 24, 2024. For information on reserving tables, purchasing tickets, exploring sponsorship opportunities, or donating to the Access for All community initiative, please visit our webpage or contact Cassidy Nicholls at CNicholls@ManitobaMuseum.ca or 204-988-0629.

James Cohen is a Winnipeg-based community builder, business leader, volunteer, and philanthropist. He is President and CEO of real estate and energy investment company Gendis Inc., a past-Chair of several organizations including: Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Manitoba Museum, The Manitoba Museum Foundation Inc. and The Young Presidents Organization YPO Manitoba Chapter and also served a full 8 year maximum term on the board of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and began his three decades of volunteering with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club and the West End Cultural Centre. James is also a successful published musician and songwriter as founder of James Cohen and the Prairie Roots Rockers who released their debut album in 2011 on Soccermom Records / Warner Music Canada and featured the radio hit “So Long Sweet Deception” which appeared nationally on the Mediabase Active Rock Top 50 Chart for 16 consecutive weeks.

Linda McGarva-Cohen is a longtime volunteer, event planner and philanthropist who has served on the boards of several organizations including the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, The Downtown Winnipeg Biz Placemaking Committee, The Manitoba Theatre for Young People and Ace Art Inc. Previously she worked as a graphic designer, marketing specialist, and fashion illustration instructor.

James and Linda have supported a wide variety of causes in our community and abroad including the Assiniboine Park Conservancy Amur Tiger Exhibit, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Manitoba Museum, The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, University of Manitoba, St. John’s-Ravenscourt School, True North Youth Foundation’s Camp Manitou, Harvest Manitoba, Ronald McDonald House, World Vision Canada, and various Winnipeg area hospitals.

They both believe in giving back by thinking globally, acting locally, and trying to help make our world of over 8 billion people a better place.

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Media Contact: 

Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
Manitoba Museum
BHayberg@ManitobaMusuem.ca