On March 12, 30 people gathered at the Morris Multiplex to listen to a presentation by Dr. Maureen Matthews, the former curator of cultural anthropology at the Manitoba Museum.
Matthews, in collaboration with the Elders Council of the Treaty Relations Commission, developed five exhibits for the Winnipeg museum about treaties.
Her presentation in Morris, organized by the local Truth and Reconciliation Committee, highlighted the importance of Indigenous artifacts as they relate to treaties.
Matthews showed slides of pipes, pipe cases, jackets, and medals that are on display at the Manitoba Museum. She provided detailed information on how the artifacts relate to the numbered treaties, the Indigenous leaders, and representatives that negotiated on behalf of the Crown.
Pipes were significant for Indigenous people, Matthew explained, noting that the Anishinaabe words zagaswe’idiwin agwi’idiwin mean “an agreement made with a pipe.”
The government representatives provided gifts to Indigenous leaders that were signatories to recognize their contribution. These included specially minted medals and formal jackets.
The Manitoba Museum’s collection of these artifacts became possible only after the museum established a relationship with the community on how to care for and present the items, Matthews noted.
Matthew’s presentation also touched on the life of Alexander Morris, namesake to the town.
Manitoba’s government was still in a developing state when Morris became Manitoba’s second lieutenant governor, Matthews shared. He was involved in treaty negotiations with several Indigenous groups, aboriginal groups, signing Treaties 3, 4, 5, and 6, and revising Treaties 1 and 2.
Matthew’s presentation was well-received by those in attendance, including past Morden Area Foundation chair Del Stevenson.
“I found the presentation informative,” he said. “Generations of my family are from this area. I got to understand the political climate my great grandfather would have experienced when he first settled here.”
