Museum celebrates 25 years of preserving the past
The Arborg & District Multicultural Heritage Village celebrated its 25th Anniversary a few weeks ago with honours delivered by political representatives for the hard work that heritage village co-chair and visionary Pat Eyolfson, her board of directors and her volunteers put in over the past quarter century to make the museum one of Manitoba’s Star Attractions.
The celebration on June 1 at the heritage village included speeches from politicians reflecting on the museum’s 25-year history, recognition of the provincial and federal governments which funded the construction of a large foldable stage on wheels for the museum’s grounds and local entertainment including the Arborg and Riverton high school band.
Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton Reeve Brian Johnson reflected on Eyolfson’s endeavour to acquire land for the heritage village and her efforts to preserve local and area history.
“When I look back, it was 25 years ago, but it seems like it happened yesterday. And my gosh, look what they have built. It’s absolutely amazing,” said Johnson. “This [museum] is a great honour, a tribute to the pioneers that came here. This is a real gift for our community. It represents all of the cultures that have made our place great … and what can happen in the future. Take a look at all of the new immigrants coming; they’re going to contribute, as well, to this great community.”
The heritage village showcases over 20 buildings, artefacts and stories from Manitoba’s pioneer days, as well as Indigenous life. Historic buildings on site include a church, a school, a home and a mill.
Town of Arborg mayor Peter Dueck congratulated Eyolfson and her board of directors for making the heritage village a successful destination that brings tourists to the area.
Town of Arborg Mayor Peter Dueck
“Twenty-five years ago, this was a hayfield, open prairie land and now there’s 22 buildings on this site. [There’s] a campground with hook-up facilities and trees that have been planted in the last 25 years,” said Dueck. “Congratulations to the board of directors and Pat and Barb [Wachel] for their initial vision and their passion for doing this. I know the board of directors is a very engaged board of directors … logging over 50,000 hours of volunteer labour. That’s the kind of volunteers this community has and that’s what makes this community great. I just want to congratulate you first of all for the stage, but also on your 25th anniversary of the heritage village.”
Dueck said the stage will enhance awareness of the opportunities to bring more artistic endeavours and different types of entertainment to town.
“This stage will give young, aspiring artists the opportunity to showcase their talent and to hone their skills,” said Dueck. “This stage is also going to support community engagement. I know that this new stage will become a hub for community events, gatherings and celebrations. This stage will be an excellent structure to support local artists, and as a professional stage it will feature recognized groups that will come from across the Interlake, across the province and even our country.”
The large stage was built by Bill and Diane Reimer of Squirrel Creek Trailers from Austin, Man. The company builds specialty trailers.
Express Photos by Lana Meier
The large stage was built by Bill and Diane Reimer (pictured) of Squirrel Creek Trailers from Austin, Man. The company builds specialty trailers.
Pat Eyolfson thanked the federal and provincial governments for funding the stage, which other organizations or communities – the stage can be folded and transported by truck – will be able to rent to host their own events. The provincial government contributed a grant under the Building Sustainable Communities fund, and the federal Liberal government contributed a grant of $51,000 in 2022 under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund from Prairies Economic Development Canada.
“Thank you to the invaluable support of the Manitoba Building Sustainability Fund and the federal Revitalization Fund each contributing $50,000…. Our dream has now become a reality,” said Eyolfson. “This grand opening marks a momentous occasion in our journey. As we unveil this beautiful stage, we pay homage to the collaborative efforts of the provincial and federal governments whose vision and investment propelled this project forward. It’s testament to the power of partnership and collective commitment to nurturing our cultural heritage and to promoting tourism in Manitoba.”
Eyolfson also thanked all the board members who served with the heritage village over the past 25 years, and gave her heartfelt thanks to residents Barb Wachel and Jan Larkin for co-chairing in her stead when she’s unavailable. She also thanked volunteers and businesses who helped make the heritage village a success.
“Thank you to all the volunteers over the years who faithfully worked on countless projects, baking goodies for every event, working at every fundraiser and acting as tour guides when needed,” said Eyolfson. “We also extend a huge thank you to the businesses that supported us faithfully since inception. They, as well as both the federal and provincial governments, recognize the merit of our work and providing financial support for so many projects, especially this one, the portable outdoor stage.”
The celebratory event included remarks from Interlake-Gimli MLA Derek Johnson and Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman MP James Bezan, along with letters from the federal minister of economic development and northern affairs Dan Vandal, Manitoba premier Wab Kinew and Manitoba deputy minister of sport, culture and heritage Jeff Hnatiuk. Student Nevaeh Munroe was formally thanked for smudging the new stage. Smudging is an Indigenous ritual used to purify the soul or place of negative thoughts.
By Patrica Barrett with files from Lana Meier
