Supporting Manitoba’s living history

St. Johns

I am pleased to celebrate two important cultural institutions in our community, the Seven Oaks House Museum and the Polish Canadian Museum and Archives, both of which play a vital role in preserving the stories that shape our province. These organizations recently marked meaningful milestones and received support through the heritage grants program, helping ensure their important work can continue far into the future.

The Seven Oaks House Museum holds a special place in Winnipeg’s history. As the oldest surviving home in the city, it offers a powerful connection to Winnipeg’s earliest days and honours the families whose contributions helped build our communities. The site reflects the legacy of John and Mary Inkster and their Scottish Métis family, whose home was deeply woven into the growth of what would become our city.

Today, the museum serves as a place of learning and reflection, where the past is preserved through historic structures and Red River architecture. It offers Manitobans the opportunity to better understand daily life in the 19th century and the foundations upon which our province was built. I encourage everyone not to miss the chance to visit this important piece of our shared history when the museum opens again during May long weekend.

I also want to uplift the Polish Canadian Museum and Archives, formerly known as the Ogniwo Polish Museum, which proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. Located here in St. John’s, the museum has spent four decades protecting and sharing Polish Canadian histories through a growing collection shaped by community generosity and care.

As the museum enters a new chapter under its new name, it is looking ahead with a long-term vision to expand its space and responsibly steward a rapidly growing national collection. This work will help ensure Polish Canadian stories are preserved and accessible for generations to come.

Institutions like the Seven Oaks House Museum and the Polish Canadian Museum and Archives remind us that history lives in our communities. They protect stories of family, culture, and belonging, helping us better understand the many paths that have shaped our province.

I am proud to support organizations that safeguard our shared heritage and strengthen our sense of community. When we invest in culture and history, we honour the past while building a more inclusive future.

As always, my office is open to hear your questions, comments, and concerns. If you would like to get in touch, you can call us at 204‑582‑1550 or email nahanni.fontaine@yourmanitoba.ca.