Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/368665
mennonite deliGhtS Russian Mennonites settled the Steinbach area in the 19th century, and many descendants of blacksmiths, millers and shopkeepers are among the volunteers who work and greet visitors at the city's 40-acre Mennonite Heritage Village (www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com). Millers grind wheat at the site's windmill and it's transformed into hot, fresh bread at the Livery Barn Restaurant, where you can sample traditional dishes such as borscht and vereniki after perusing the village's buildings and historical exhibits. The village is open until Oct. 1. Midway between Winkler and Morden, get a taste of hardy pioneer life with hands-on activities at the Pembina Threshermen's Museum (www.threshermensmuseum.com) until Sept. 30. Visit the general store, check out vintage farm equipment and imagine living in one of the log homes or soddies — pioneer houses that were actually built from sod. The museum holds Reunion Days on the Labour Day weekend, when you can nosh on Mennonite cuisine prepared by the Valley Harvest Maids. Celebrate FirSt nationS Take the opportunity to explore aboriginal, Métis and Inuit art, culture and history at museums, galleries, powwows and sacred sites throughout the province. The Oodena Celebration Circle at The Forks is the setting for many annual events, including the opening ceremony for the Manito Ahbee Festival (www.manitoahbee.ca) Sept. 10-14. One of Canada's largest celebrations of aboriginal culture, Manito Ahbee — an Ojibway term meaning where the Creator sits — honours the seven sacred teachings: Love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth. Events at MTS Centre and other venues around the city include a vibrant international competition powwow, indigenous market and trade show and a jigging contest dubbed Getting Jiggy With It. One of the highlights of the week is the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com), Sept. 12 at MTS Centre. 23 maNito ahbee FestiVal – sep 10-14 meNNoNite heritage Village