Learn more about local Indigenous history and culture
Parks Canada’s annual Knowledge Sharing Series is continuing again this year. They’ve teamed up with local knowledge keepers to continue to bring knowledge about Indigenous history and culture to our region.
“The Knowledge Sharing Series initially launched in 2022, to provide opportunities for Indigenous perspectives to be shared by Indigenous people at treasured places in Manitoba, like Lower Fort Garry,” said Jared Kist, External Relations Manager for Parks Canada.
This year the series has expanded offering learning opportunities not just at Lower Fort Garry but also at The Forks in Winnipeg which is also a Parks Canada site.
“If you’re interested in First Nations and Métis culture, and you want to learn a little bit more, it’s meant to really be an opportunity for people to come in, in a really low-stress environment, and just learn from teachers and artisans and hopefully walk away with a little bit more understanding about Indigenous culture here in Manitoba,” said Kist.
The idea for this series started in 2022 when Parks Canada recognized the need both locally and nationally to better have Indigenous stories told at their sites. With both Lower Fort Garry and the Forks being historically significant places for Indigenous people, it makes sense to provide these learning opportunities there.
Kist explained that this series is a very easy way to learn about culture and history without it being a serious environment. There won’t be someone presenting a lecture but instead, it will be a more fluid environment.
“It’s an opportunity for people to come in and literally get a hands-on experience and feel the work that these people are putting out into the world and also talk with them one-on-one and ask questions,” said Kist.
The events take place from 12 to 3 p.m. on select Saturdays and information about each individual event is available at parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/mb/fortgarry/activ/connaissances-knowledge or for the events at the Forks at parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/mb/forks/activ/connaissances-knowledge.
Events like this are important not just because Parks Canada has a broad commitment to national heritage places that recognize and honour the historic and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples but because by sharing information with everyone, we better understand each other.
“It’s a priority for us because we have a lot of knowledge to share. And we know [our Knowledge Keepers] do as well. So, why don’t we combine that and, create the space for it all to come together and for those perspectives, and contributions and histories, to be shared with the broader public,” said Kist.
This series is open to all visitors Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.
“If you are a history buff, there’s a lot here. If you’re a casual person looking to spend a Saturday not at home, there’s something for you here. Kids and adults, like the sessions, and the speakers are so great at just working and connecting with those who come by. If you have a specific interest, or you want to connect more deeply with First Nations or Red River Métis culture, this is a great place to do it,” said Kist.
There is no sign-up required for these events and admission to our local events is free with admission to Lower Fort Garry. There is no signup or admission for the events at the Forks.
Kist encourages residents to come out and check out the Knowledge Sharing Series.
“It’s the summer, let’s take advantage of the nice weather that we do have. On a more realistic note, I think that the Knowledge Sharing Series is a wonderful opportunity to learn about and connect more deeply with First Nations and Red River Métis culture, and history in a fun and educational way. The guest speakers that we have this year are going to be able to provide visitors with a first-hand account of different kinds of art forms like drumming, woodworking and soapstone carving. It gives a sense of place and helps to connect visitors with the deep and long-standing Indigenous history and culture that ties not only these sites, but the province and the country together,” said Kist.
