Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/55101
WINNIPEG 20 RIEL HOUSE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA Step into the living room of the family home where the famous Métis leader, Louis Riel, a founder of Manitoba, lay in state for two days in December 1885 after he was hanged for high treason. Inside this restored Red River frame house, you can reflect on the fascinating and complex story of Louis Riel and explore his modern legacy with knowledgeable guides. Come to Riel House and learn about Riel and the Métis, a distinct Canadian people with a unique blend of French and Aboriginal traditions. Outdoor exhibits, tours of the house and gardens by bilingual guides, historic activities and special events are offered throughout the summer. Open daily mid-May to Labour Day. Admission charged. location: 330 River Rd. in St. Vital p: 204-257-1783 f: 204-983-2221 toll free: 1-888-773-8888 hearing impaired: 1-866-787-6221 e: riel.info@pc.gc.ca w: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/riel ROSS HOUSE MUSEUM The first post office west of the Great Lakes and one of the oldest examples of Red River log frame construction (1854). Guided tours available. Open Wednesday to Sunday, June 1 to August 31, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free admission. location: 140 Meade St. N p: 204-943-3958 e: rosshouse@mhs.mb.ca w: www.mhs.mb.ca b ROYAL WINNIPEG RIFLES REGIMENTAL MUSEUM The history of the oldest military infantry regiment in Western Canada is portrayed with uniforms, weapons, pictures and artifacts from 1885 to the present. Open 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday or by appointment. Free admission. location: Room 208, Minto Armoury, 969 St. Matthews Ave. p: 204-786-4300 ext 3492 f: 204-786-4384 b SEVEN OAKS MEMORIAL This memorial, erected by the Manitoba Historical Society, marks the site of the Battle of Seven Oaks (1816) in which Governor Robert Semple and 20 Selkirk settlers were slain by rival traders of the North West Company. location: southeast corner of Main St. and Rupertsland Ave. ST. BONIFACE Winnipeg's "French Quarter" is a historic and cultural cornerstone of the city, and the largest French-Canadian community west of Quebec. It is the birthplace of Louis Riel who was born in the Red River Settlement in 1844 and educated in St. Boniface and Montréal. Chosen as secretary of the Comité national des Métis, he later became the President of the Provisional Government, which led the struggle for a negotiated entry of the Red River Settlement into Confederation as a province rather than a territory. A bust in front of the St. Boniface Museum, a statue on the east side of Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface, a statue on the grounds of the Legislative Building, and a plaque on the western wall of St. Boniface Cathedral, all pay homage to Riel's role as a spokesman for his people. Riel's grave is located in the cemetery of the Cathedral. The Centre culturel franco-manitobain (CCFM) is located in the heart of St. Boniface, minutes from downtown Winnipeg. Inside, you'll find an art gallery, theatres, meeting rooms, offices of cultural groups, a community radio station with live broadcasts. The CCFM is a hub of cultural activity and a great space where groups can hold AGMs, meetings and cultural events. See ad page 17 location: 340 Blvd. Provencher p: 204-233-8972 w: www.ccfm.mb.ca b Visit historical Fort Gibraltar. Come and witness our fascinating history through the eyes of the voyageurs that lived it! Costumed interpreters will transport you back in time to the exciting age of the fur trade. Tour a reconstructed 19th century fort and discover the diverse cast of characters that call it home. Open May to September. location: 866 St. Joseph St. p: 204-233-9470 e: info@festivalvoyageur.mb.ca w: www.fortgibraltar.com La Maison Gabrielle Roy Grey Nuns Walkway extends from the Promenade Taché to the Norwood Bridge. A series of plaques recount the history of the Grey Nuns, who arrived in 1844 and founded the St. Boniface General Hospital. La Maison des artistes francophones is a contemporary artist centre, art gallery and sculpture garden. Open year-round Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. September long weekend to May long weekend, Monday to Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. May long weekend to September long weekend. Free admission. location: 219 Provencher Blvd. p: 204-237-5964 e: maison@mts.net w: www.maisondesartistes.mb.ca b La Maison Gabrielle Roy (PHS), completely restored to its original state, was Gabrielle Roy's sole Manitoba residence from 1909 to 1937. She was one of Canada's most influential authors of the 20th century. The house was the setting of several of her short stories and novels. Open year-round, June to August, Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.; September to May, Wednesday to Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. Admission charged. Main floor only wheelchair accessible. location: 375 rue Deschambault p: 204-231-3853 f: 204-231-3910 e: info@maisongabrielleroy.mb.ca w: www.maisongabrielleroy.mb.ca