By: 
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/11/2019 (423 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A commemorative event that marked a defining moment in the creation of Louis Riel’s provisional government was held in south Winnipeg recently.
On Oct. 24, L’Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba, in partnership with a number of organizations including Entreprises Riel, held an event that included speeches, coffee, tea, and bannock and the erection of a wooden cross at what organizers call the "site of La Barrière" — which is located along a stretch of Pembina Highway in St. Norbert.
Key organizer Michelle Gervais, Tourisme Riel’s director, said the site is integral to the story, as it’s where a party led by Riel "stopped the arrival of surveyors coming in." She said one of the goals of the recent event was to mark this historic anniversary in the spotlight of the 150th anniversary of the creation of the province next year, and recognize a key moment in the Métis resistance in 1869, when a barrier was erected.
"The whole creation of Manitoba is really important, as is the history of Louis Riel and the history of our province and the events that led up to that," Gervais said, noting the site where the cross was erected is in the south end of St. Norbert near the bridge that crosses over the La Salle River.
In light of its historical significance and symbolism, Gervais said the site is important to the community of St. Norbert and beyond for any number of reasons, including tourism.
"It’s located near a major access route with the U.S., and the minute visitors enter Winnipeg, it identifies what Manitoba is about. It’s a historic site, and it’s somewhere people can learn about the beginnings of Manitoba," Gervais said, adding that while Riel is synonymous with St. Boniface, his connection to St. Norbert cannot be understated.
Depicted at the centre of the recently erected cross are the Latin words for "God’s finger is here," Gervais said.
SUPPLIED PHOTO BY BARBARA HACIO KIRBY
Parish priest Charles Fillion is pictured blessing the cross at the recent event.
Simon Fuller
The Lance community journalist
Simon Fuller is the community journalist for The Lance. Canstar’s senior reporter, he joined the team in June 2009 to write for The Sou’wester, which was then the new paper in the Canstar family. In June 2012, Fuller crossed the Red River to write for the Lance, and has spent the best part of the last decade getting to know the people and places that make southeast Winnipeg such a diverse, eclectic and culturally enriching place to live. A patriotic Brit and supporter of Southampton Football Club, he hopes to see England win a soccer world cup in his lifetime. Twenty years after immigrating to Winnipeg, Fuller — a graduate of the University of North London and Red River College’s creative communications program — now prefers coffee and doughnuts to tea and crumpets. His journalism journey started with an internship at the Winnipeg Free Press in January 2008, which was soon followed by a nine-month stint as a general assignment reporter at the Winnipeg Sun. Despite his allergies, he’s the proud father of his girlfriend’s four cats. Email him at simon.fuller@canstarnews.com Call him at 204-697-7111. . Email him at simon.fuller@canstarnews.com Call him at 204-697-7111