Legislature centennial, Manitoba sesquicentennial marked

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/07/2020 (1661 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On July 15, 1920, when the Manitoba Legislative Building formally opened, the province — like much of the rest of the world — was experiencing social upheaval and still recovering from a pandemic, not to mention a devastating war.

A century later, at a ceremony marking the majestic Winnipeg structure’s 100th birthday, dignitaries spoke of the parallels between the current uncertain times and the momentous events of a century ago.

“On that summer day in 1920, Manitoba was getting back to normal after the devastating pandemic flu of 1918-1919, and today, we are carefully moving into our new normal,” Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon said in addressing a crowd of about 100 at a ceremony Wednesday on the building’s south lawn.

“In 1920, the General Strike had recently shown Manitobans that they had work to do to build a more just, more equitable and more trusting society. Fast forward a century, and the grounds of this building recently hosted a huge peaceful (Black Lives Matter) rally by Manitobans that reminded us of all the work that is still to be done,” she said.

Wednesday also marked the 150th anniversary of the federal proclamation — July 15, 1870 — of the Manitoba Act, which provided for the admission of Manitoba as Canada’s fifth province.

In a year that has seen virtually all of Manitoba’s 150th birthday celebrations postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, event organizers Wednesday were grateful at the opportunity to mark the two milestones.

“I think it’s pretty awesome that our COVID numbers were low enough that we were allowed to have a gathering of this type on the very same day that the building turns 100 and Manitoba is 150,” said house speaker Myrna Driedger. “The fact that we could do it today is very special.”

Also speaking at the event were Premier Brian Pallister and Paulette Duguay, president of l’Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba and a great-grand niece of Louis Riel.

Margaret Roscelli of Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation gave the blessing.

“As we commemorate Manitoba’s birthday it is fitting to reflect on and to show gratitude towards our Metis ancestors for their insights, sacrifices and contributions, which led to the creation of this beautiful province,” Duguay said.

Filmon formally rededicated the building and unveiled a plaque to mark its centennial.

Driedger announced a time capsule — designed and built by Manitoba Indigenous artist Darren Sakwi — would be on display in the legislative building.

It will contain more than 75 items and is to be opened in 100 years: July 2120.

The time capsule will include letters from the premier and opposition leader, a current map of Manitoba, a special edition silver dollar featuring Louis Riel, a Métis sash, beaded tobacco pouch, smartphone, information on the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks used during the current pandemic, a Manitoba 150 pin, a coin celebrating the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, current floor plans for the legislative building, the current seating plan for MLAs, building keys, Manitoba books, newspaper clippings and lists of current top songs, TV shows and movies.

Driedger said local newspaper editions — featuring coverage of Wednesday’s event — will also likely be added to the capsule before it is sealed.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca