Manitoba’s tourism industry got a big boost from the federal government late last week, and included in that is money for a treaty knowledge centre.
The cash is part of an effort to help the industry bounce back from the pandemic and will see dozens of projects in Manitoba’s travel tourism industry get a piece of more than $10 million.
The historic forks site will be one of 39 projects to receive money. More than $1-million will go toward completing several projects, including upkeep and the construction of a one-of-a-kind treaty knowledge centre.
The space, developed with the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, will offer treaty education resources and will highlight Manitoba’s oral history and house an archive of images and documents.
Treaty Commissioner of Manitoba Loretta Ross said the funds will help the reconciliation journey.
“It’s difficult for me to contain my excitement and I’m excited not because of our dream at the Treaty relations commission but I’m excited for Manitobans, this is an amazing opportunity for all Manitobans, First Nations and non-First Nations people alike, to get to know our history,” Ross said at the announcement in Winnipeg.
“Our elders tell us before we can go to the future before we know where we’re going, we have to know where we come from.”
Other sites receiving funding include Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Travel Manitoba, and the Canadian fossil discovery centre, among many others.
“From the northern lights and polar bears in Churchill to historic downtown Winnipeg, there is a reason that tourism is one of Manitoba’s spectacular industries. A strong tourism sector in Manitoba is critical for a strong prairie and Canadian economy,” said Terry Duguid, parliamentary secretary to the federal minister of environment and climate change.
The money is coming from three federal funds, the tourism relief fund, the Canada community revitalization fund, and the regional relief and recovery fund, all aimed at recovering the tourism economy hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
