The River Trail (Winnipeg)

 

The Red River on a bleak October morning in Winnipeg

The River Trail in Winnipeg runs approximately four miles along the Red River with associated trails branching off along the Assiniboine River. The confluence of the two rivers, a location where indigenous people gathered and traded for over 6000 years, is considered one of the most important places in the interior of North America. As part of the Trans Canada Trail, the signage specifically tries to tie the various European and Indigenous cultures of Manitoba and the city together.

Selkirk's Settlers

On the northern part of the trail, specifically in Stephen Juba Park, signs and monuments honor Selkirk’s settlers, a group of Scottish migrants who began arriving in 1812. Fleeing dire conditions in Scotland, the colonists were sponsored by the Earl of Selkirk to establish the Red River Colony, close to Winnipeg. Difficult conditions and tribulations followed.

"Education is the New Bison"

Closer to the city center, adjacent to the Museum of Human Rights at the Forks, trail signage concentrates on the indigenous history of the area. While historical explanations illustrate the importance of the area as a meeting place, contemporary indigenous culture is represented as well. A statue by Val T. Vint, called “Education is the New Bison,” places emphasis on learning as the new key to economic and cultural wealth. The buffalo in the statute is constructed of books, marking a new way forward for indigenous communities. The trail also recognizes the continuing legacy of hardship and devastation as well. The Manitoba memorial for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women occupies a prominent place on the trail, and has flowers and candles left for “those who are not here.” Around the city, several displays of REDress, red dresses displayed in various ways, are prominent. The art installations, a play on words, are a call to redress the injustices faced indigenous communities. Similarly, Canada declared 30 September as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Residential Schools. Flags remained at half-mast in many places during the month of October.

The Memorial for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women